While three in four Americans claim they do not personally know anyone who has been infected with COVID-19, the “health of frontline workers” and “people not taking the pandemic seriously” remain high on the list of their concerns, according to a new study from the Ad Council and C&R Research.
Nearly 70% are most worried about the economy, with four in five reporting that they have already been financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
The study examined public perceptions around the economy, health, connectedness and access to information.
Two in three (66%) feel others aren’t taking the pandemic seriously with those in the Northeast ranking as the most worried of all regions. Notably, Americans express more concern about the health of their friends and family than their own health (53% vs. 34%).
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Nearly two-thirds said they want more information on when the COVID-19 crisis will end, four in 10 want more clarity on what’s true and what’s false about the virus, and more than half (59%) seek information about when a vaccine will be available.
Technology is proving to be a welcoming reprieve from isolation. The vast majority of respondents (87%) report being about the same or more “in touch” — defined as in person or via phone/text — with family members compared to the week before, and 74% are similarly connected with friends.
When asked to rate how much they need immediate assistance with a variety of things, top needs included gloves/masks (33%), “peace of mind” (29%) and general financial assistance (24%).
“We believe that these insights will provide the Ad Council, along with brands, foundations and the media, with a crucial roadmap to help address the most pressing needs of Americans during the pandemic and inform our messaging to the American public in the days and months ahead,” states Lisa Sherman, president & CEO of the Ad Council.
Worrying doesn't help. Distraction might...
http://pjlehrer.blogspot.com/2020/04/no-worrying-wont-help.html