An LSU Public Policy Lab survey indicates half of respondents say they have not left their homes during the outbreak for social gatherings, religious services or other reasons not in line with the stay at home order. Lab Director Dr. Michael Henderson says those age 65 and older were most strict about staying home, with nearly 60 percent compliance.
“Your 18- to 29-year-olds are a little less compliant now. There only at about 40 percent say that they are not leaving the home at all for the kinds of things that are not allowed,” said Henderson.
Overall, 30 percent say they have left home once a week or less.
Most respondents are observing physical distancing at 56 percent say they try to stay six feet away from others. However, Henderson says respondents are less likely to mask up when around others.
“Only about a third of people are saying they are always wearing a face covering when they leave the home and about half altogether say they either always or very often wear face coverings when they leave the home,” said Henderson.
Seventy-seven percent report anxiety related to health concerns and 76% report anxiety related to economic anxiety. Roughly three-quarters of respondents believe mitigation efforts should continue, but Henderson says that is likely to change as time progresses.
“I would want to pay special attention to those numbers that even two weeks from now, that may have come down, but when were asking this in late April, most Louisiana residents felt that it was important to continue those policies,” said Henderson.