Five Years After COVID-19: Perceptions of Threat and Lessons Learned

This winter marks five years since the onset of COVID-19, the infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that led to a global pandemic, resulting in over 1.2 million deaths in the United States.

To commemorate this milestone, the Pew Research Center conducted a survey to gauge Americans’ views on current COVID-19 risks and the responses to the pandemic.

Shifting Views on COVID-19 Threat

Around 21% of respondents still consider COVID-19 a major threat to public health, a striking decrease from 67% in July 2020.

More than half, specifically 56%, of Americans express that COVID-19 is no longer a concern. Interestingly, 39% believe people do not take the ongoing risk seriously enough.

About 40% of Americans view COVID-19 as no worse than a common cold or flu, while 56% contend that it is more severe than these illnesses, according to the survey results.

COVID Testing Attitudes

When it comes to testing for COVID-19, 63% of individuals feel that they should take a test upon feeling unwell. Conversely, a third of respondents express skepticism regarding the necessity of testing.

Preparedness for Future Health Emergencies

Looking ahead, just over 60% of respondents are optimistic about the public health system’s ability to handle another health crisis, rating their expectations as “very or somewhat good.”

Changing Face of Masking

In terms of preventive measures, 80% of Americans report wearing masks rarely or never while shopping. However, 40% indicated they would wear masks in crowded situations if feeling unwell.

Future Pandemic Responses

Forty percent of Americans are confident that the U.S. would manage a future health crisis better than it did during COVID-19. In contrast, 16% believe the response would be worse, while 43% think it would remain similar.

The Impact on Mental Health

Dr. Michael Aziz, a board-certified physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, emphasized the pandemic’s profound effects on mental health.

He noted, “Studies observed a higher prevalence of psychopathological symptoms during the pandemic for individuals with previous mental health issues, indicating they faced an increased burden.