Erie County Opinions & Feelings Regarding COVID-19

Overall, people in Erie County are anxious and concerned, but have faith and hope that our healthcare institutions and local leaders can handle what comes our way.  Outlook for the economy is not as bright. One third of residents have experienced a reduction in hours or job loss (temporary or permanent), and most people are not confident their financial status will be unaffected by the virus. 

Erie residents are clearly changing the way they shop, eat, and spend their time.  Going to restaurants and grocery stores has dropped by more than half, while making meals at home and hand-washing has increased by 70% or more.  Not surprisingly, more than half of residents are also consuming more TV, news, and social media.  People are exercising less, but are having more interactions with people over the phone or internet. 

Regarding coronavirus symptoms, 29% reported having at least one symptom of the virus (cough, fever, shortness of breath, or fatigue).  However, most of these reports center around tiredness/fatigue.  Specifically, 17% cited either a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, two of which are symptomatic of many other things.  Only 4% have spoken with a doctor about their symptoms, and only 1% have been tested for COVID-19. 

However, despite all the anxiety and worry, there were SO many stories of good deeds, helpful neighbors, and people in our community going out of their way to help others.  See what people are saying in the “Good News Highlights” section towards the end of the report.

From all of us at Moore Research, thank you for your opinions. Take care and be safe!

Confidence in coronavirus response: 

• People are largely feeling anxious and fearful during this time and are somewhat to very concerned with the coronavirus’ impact on their household (66%). Only 12% were extremely concerned, and only 7% are not at all concerned. 

• Residents are doubtful the economy will recover in 2020 (47%).  Only half are confident their employment status will not change due to the virus (48%), and even fewer are confident their financial status will not change (38%). 

• People are most confident in healthcare institutions (64%) and least confident that people in Erie are abiding by safety guidelines (only 27%).  They are moderately confident in food providers’ ability to protect food quality (54%) and in their personal ability to avoid contracting the virus (41%). 

Demographic differences: 

• Millennials are less concerned overall compared to Gen X and Baby Boomers.  However, when rating their confidence in various aspects, Baby Boomers were significantly more confident than Millennials in healthcare institutions, food protection, public adherence to safety guidelines, as well as their ability to avoid the virus and offer a quality education to their kids. 

• City residents are less confident than suburban residents in terms of healthcare institutions, food protection, and public adherence to safety guidelines. 

• Residents making less than $50K a year are less confident about their employment and financial status being unchanged. 

Leadership Effectiveness: 

• President Donald Trump is viewed as ineffective by half (50%) while the US Congress is viewed as ineffective by over one third (37%).  Over one third (37%) view President Donald Trump as effective and just over one quarter (26%) view the US Congress as effective.

• Other individuals are considered effective: Dr. Anthony Fauci (74%), Governor Tom Wolf (63%), local elected officials (59%), County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper (54%). 

• The CDC and WHO were also considered effective (64% and 43% respectively). 

Demographic differences: 

• Gen X gave President Trump higher effectiveness scores than Millennials and Baby Boomers. 

• Compared to Millennials and Gen X: Baby Boomers gave higher effectiveness scores to local elected officials, County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Governor Tom Wolf, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and the CDC. 

• City residents gave higher effectiveness scores than county residents for the following: Kathy Dahlkemper, Tom Wolf, the CDC and the WHO. 

• Residents with children (under 18) are more confident in President Trump and US Congress while those without kids are more confident in local officials, Kathy Dahlkemper, and Tom Wolf. 

Changes in habits: 

• Erie County residents have considerably decreased their trips to national restaurant chains (75%), local restaurants (56%), and going to grocery stores in person (56%). 

• More than half of respondents have increased their news consumption (55%) and social media use (60%). 

• More than two-thirds are watching more TV or movies (67%), making more meals at home (70%), and are washing their hands more frequently (79%). 

• Other habits show a milder increase.  32% are doing more online shopping, 28% say they are purchasing more essential home supplies, and 25% cite more grocery pick-ups/deliveries. 

Demographic differences: 

• The increase in purchasing essential home supplies has come more from Millennials, Gen X, city, and suburban residents. 

• Social media use, grocery pick-up/delivery, and online shopping has increased significantly more for Millennials and parents of children under 18. 

• City residents and parents of children under 18 are more likely to purchase food from local restaurants. 

• Hand washing has increased more for Baby Boomers. 

Status of health/symptoms: 

• 71% of Erie residents report having no symptoms of coronavirus at all. 

• 29% reported at least one or more symptoms, mostly tiredness and fatigue. 12% reported two or more symptoms, 5% reported three or more symptoms, and 2% cited all four symptoms.  

• 17% experienced either a fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. 

• 16% experienced either a cough or shortness of breath. 

• 4% have spoken with a doctor about their symptoms, and 1% have been tested for COVID-19. 

Demographic differences: 

• Millennials and Gen X report more fatigue than Baby Boomers. 

• Parents with children under the age of 18 are experiencing more fevers, shortness of breath, and fatigue than those without children.  

Changes in employment status (of those who were employed before the virus): 

• 33% have experienced reduced hours, or have permanently or temporarily lost their job.  

• Of those working from home, 37% are less productive than usual, while 22% are more productive. 

Demographic differences: 

• Millennials are more frequently working from home due to the virus than Gen X or Baby Boomers. 

• Those with incomes less than $50K are much more likely to have temporarily lost their job (32%) than higher income levels:  

• Twice as likely vs. incomes between $50K-$100K (16%) 

• Three times as likely vs. incomes between $100K - $150K (10%) 

• More than four times as likely vs. incomes over $150K (7%)