There are many vocal opponents of the ongoing COVID-19 lockdowns throughout California, but new survey results suggest they’re well outnumbered.
The poll shows 77% of Californians concerned about catching the virus. That’s the finding from new polling data collected by the California Health Care Foundation.
"I don’t think it’s just a silent majority, it’s a super majority," CHCF Market Analysis and Insight Director Kristof Stremikis said.
Three weeks ago, 43% of Californians said the shelter-in-place order was being relaxed too quickly. Now, that share has increased to 53%, our latest COVID-19 tracking poll with @ipsos shows. https://t.co/KsYK3gw37m pic.twitter.com/CFfKFJSmvH
— CHCF (@CHCFNews) July 8, 2020Stremikis told KCBS Radio that polling data also suggests the share of Californians who fear the reopening is moving too quickly is also on the rise. Right now, just over half are in the "slow down" camp, compared to 18% who feel reopening needs to be sped up.
What should local leaders taking heat for their lockdown decisions take away from these numbers?
"Very small numbers of Californians are saying we’re opening too slowly," Stremikis said. "Clearly, the vast majority of the state is being very cautious and would like policy makers to be cautious as they approach reopening."
In the meantime, another point of concern - only one in five responded they are very confident the state’s health care system is prepared for another wave of the virus.
