Life in the Time of COVID-19: Social Distancing

Social distancing recommendations from the CDC, and other health organizations have been consistent over the past month. However, not everyone seems to be following the guidelines.

IntelliSurvey’s third “Life in the Time of COVID-19” online survey, conducted on April 10, 2020, posed questions about compliance with recommendations. Specifically, respondents were asked about frequency of social distancing, length of the lockdown, and how long they think they can comply.

Majority of population is ‘always’ complying with social distancing

In the past 3 weeks, we have seen the percentage of people who are ‘always’ practicing social distancing significantly increase, and is currently being practiced by two-thirds of the population. 

Practicing social distancing differs among generations

In total, 67% are ‘always’ complying with physical distancing, but not all generations are the same.

Boomers are more likely to ‘always’ practice recommendations from the CDC, compared to younger generations. In the April 10 survey, 74% of Boomers are following the recommendations from the CDC and limiting exposure. 

Social distancing for the long haul

In all 3 weeks of IntelliSurvey’s COVID-19 survey, at least 65% believe they will have to practice social distancing for several months or more. Only 8% think they will be able to socialize within the next 2 weeks, even though most statewide stay-at-home / shelter-in-place orders are due to expire within that time frame. 

Opinion on the length of social distancing differs depending on state

California was one of the first states to enact a shelter-in-place order, and respondents there are less likely to think limiting face-to-face contact will continue for ‘more than several months’ (only 11%). 

Florida and Texas are more likely than New York to think social distancing will need to continue for only  3-4 weeks.

Over half of both California and New York respondents think practicing social distancing will have to occur for ‘several months’ (about 15% higher than Florida and Texas). 

When considering ‘several months’ and ‘more than several months’ categories together, New Yorkers (82%) anticipate a longer period of social distancing compared to other highlighted states (CA = 66%, FL = 69%, TX = 68%, Others = 67%). As NY has maintained its grim status as the nation’s epicenter of the pandemic over the past four weeks, this result bears little surprise.

Slight increase in realistically being able to social distance for several months

2 out of 3 think they can realistically social distance for at least several months,  according to week 3 results. 

Shifts in expectations towards reopening the country

As May 1, 2020 approaches, people are less hopeful that the U.S. will be open for business by then.

Again, states differ on opinion when it comes to length of required lockdown

79% of New Yorkers think the US will remain on lockdown for at least 2-3 months. Whereas only 50% of Floridians anticipate the US in lockdown for that length. Californians (61%) and Texans (63%) essentially split the difference in the New York-Florida disparity on this issue. 

To learn more about how you can help keep your distance and slow the spread, visit the CDC website’s page here for tips.

Respondents for this survey were collected via Lucid Marketplace.