Here's how the majority of Americans feel about attending shows again
In a new poll conducted by Reuters and Ipsos, it’s clear that even when shows and other large gatherings are going to be allowed Americans are going to be hesitant about going out again.
According to the poll, less than half of Americans are planning to go to concerts sporting events, movie theaters and more until an effective vaccine is available for everyone.
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The poll shows only four in ten Americans who are saying they’re regularly attending events like these are going again without a widely-available vaccine.
Separately, four in ten also say they’re willing to wait for a vaccine even if it takes over a year to be made available. The remaining people say they are unsure about what to do or may never attend events requiring large gatherings ever again.
Further, only 27 percent say they will go to a movie theater or concert when venues are reopening. This lines up with theater chain Cinemark‘s recent comments about reopening their theaters early. The company is claiming they can stay profitable even with “20 to 30 percent of capacity” while audiences will understandably be cautious in early days. The company is projecting a July reopening with limited capacity.
32 percent say they’re waiting until a vaccine is ready to go back to these places.
In total, 55 percent say shows should not even be happening without a vaccine.
Earlier this month, a New York Times story ended up discussing the economic and societal impacts of the virus. Oncologist and bioethicist Zeke Emanuel suggests large gatherings like concerts are unlikely to be happening until late into 2021.
“Larger gatherings — conferences, concerts, sporting events — when people say they’re going to reschedule this conference or graduation event for October 2020, I have no idea how they think that’s a plausible possibility. I think those things will be the last to return. Realistically, we’re talking fall 2021 at the earliest.”
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The general consensus from health experts is that a vaccine won’t be available for 12 to 18 months from when research started.
A vaccine is likely to be available for health care workers before the general public though as other health crises have shown.
This happened with the Ebola outbreaks a few years ago as a vaccine with less testing is made available for people put at more risk like doctors and nurses. Vaccines for regular citizens though will wait through full testing procedures though.
You can read more about the poll here.
What’s your take on going to events like concerts and sports games in the future? Let us know what your thinking in the comments below.
