Americans far more worried about loss of income than health during pandemic, poll finds

Americans are far more concerned about loss of income and finding supplies during the coronavirus pandemic than about their health, according to the Just the News Daily Poll with Scott Rasmussen.

Among registered voters surveyed, 30% ranked “loss of income” and 27% ranked “finding needed supplies” as their top concerns about coronavirus in their daily lives, compared to just 4% choosing “loss of health” as their top concern.

“Most (57%) have felt the biggest impact from the economic shutdown — either by loss of income or inability to find supplies,” Rasmussen said. “A huge number (23%) are impacted mostly by the social isolation.”

Rasmussen said that other polling data suggests that people are broadly supportive of efforts to fight the coronavirus.

“However, these numbers highlight the fact that it is coming at a heavy cost,” Rasmussen said. “These other costs cannot be indefinitely ignored by policymakers. They can be deferred, but sooner or later will need to be addressed. I suspect many people will be cautious about re-entering social life, but it's important for them to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Finding the right balance will be a real challenge for leaders.”

Respondents were asked: “The coronavirus has impacted the daily life of Americans in many ways. Which of the following has been the single most difficult impact on you and your immediate family?” 

Their responses:

• 30% loss of income
• 27% finding needed supplies
• 23% boredom, depression, and isolation
• 4% loss of health
• 3% finding care for kids
• 13% none of the above

The national survey of 1,200 registered voters was conducted April 2-5, 2020 by Rasmussen, a polling veteran. Margin of sampling error: +/- 2.8% for full sample. 

“We do not have any information on the none of the above categories,” Rasmussen noted. “But it's important to remember that some people may not yet have felt any significant impact. I know of several people who are skeptical of the news coverage because they aren't seeing it for themselves.”

To see the full demographic cross-tabulations for this polling question, click below.

“It's also worth noting that these impacts are felt in every segment of society,” Rasmussen said.