Hospital limitations are a major concern

Even if they’re not overly concerned about the threat that COVID-19 poses to their health, respondents worry about resources. Will they be able to get tested? Will hospitals be able to handle the pandemic as it surges?

Nearly three out of five survey respondents say it would be very difficult (17%) or difficult (41%) to get a diagnostic test even if they had recognized COVID symptoms. Nearly half of the sample (46%) say that they are very worried that their local hospital(s) will not have the resources to treat all patients infected with the coronavirus. Another 36% are somewhat worried. Less than one out of five say that they are not too worried (14%) or not at all worried (4%) that their local hospitals will not have the resources to treat all patients infected with the virus.

Watch this space

How will public perception change as exposure to the novel coronavirus increases? How might concern about resource limitations impact the way people behave? We will continue to share key findings from our data collection efforts over the coming weeks and encourage public health officials to bear this information in mind as you shape your response to COVID-19. Sign up to receive alerts as we roll out upcoming results and package our insights into reports. Next up, mental health insights.

Read other insights in the ICF COVID-19 Monitor Survey of U.S. Adults series.