LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A significant number of residents believe California reopened its economy too early and are worried they could get COVID- 19, as cases and hospitalizations are again surging, according to the most recent tracking poll from the California Health Care Foundation and survey firm Ipsos, it was reported today.
The survey of 1,156 California residents, conducted June 26 to June 30 in both English and Spanish, reflects growing worries about the surge in COVID-19 cases over the last month as businesses reopened and people returned to old habits, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Californians' attitudes on whether shelter-in-place orders were relaxed too soon is shifting -- jumping from 43% on June 19 to 53% in the new survey. In the latest CHCF poll, 27% of residents said the pace is “just right,'' and 18% think the order is being relaxed “too slowly,'' The Times reported.
Seventy-one percent of Black people think the state is reopening too quickly, a significantly higher share than that of Latinos (51%) and whites (50%).
Differences along ideological lines are particularly pronounced when it comes to opinions on whether the state reopened at an appropriate rate. The survey showed that 73% of liberals thought the state has reopened too quickly; 37% of conservatives said it's been too slow.
“Californians are clearly worried about the rising numbers of COVID- 19 cases, especially as more and more people are returning to work,'' said Kristof Stremikis, director of the Market Analysis and Insight team at CHCF.
“There has been a noticeable jump in the number of people who think the state has been reopening too quickly.''
“This new poll also highlights widespread concerns with the ability of the health system to respond,'' he added, “although most people believe they can get the care they need.''
The rising case numbers led to Gov. Gavin Newsom's order last week to close indoor restaurants, bars and other businesses in many counties.
Some 77% of the poll's respondents said they were concerned that they or a family member will contract the coronavirus. The level of concern weighs heavier for residents who have lower incomes, with 81% saying they were worried.
Researchers found that 85% of Latinos, who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, were at least “somewhat'' concerned, with 61% saying they were “very concerned.'' Ninety percent of Asians said they were concerned about contracting the virus.