Survey: 4 in 10 Americans back to a ‘normal’ pre-Covid life

Four in 10 Americans have returned to “normal” pre-pandemic, according to a new survey conducted by the University of Pennsylvania”™s Annenberg Public Policy Center.

In a nationwide poll of 1,580 adults conducted from July 12-18, 41% said they were back to their pre-pandemic lives and 36% expected to return to “normal” lives in the near-future. But 23% stated they will “never” return to a pre-pandemic way of life.

As for Covid itself, 54% of respondents said they either had the virus or were “pretty sure they had it” in the months since early April 2022, with another 54% saying they knew someone who died from Covid. However, the same percentage said they rarely or never wear a mask inside when among people who are not part of their household, and 59% said they were not worried that their own health will be seriously affected from getting Covid, while 39% are worried.

The survey also found 78% of respondents reporting they were fully vaccinated against Covid-19, with 77% having a booster shot.

“After more than two years of experience with Covid-19 and its effects, the public is largely aware of the nature and risks of infection,” said Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. “A consistent percentage does not believe a pre-Covid normal will ever be restored. But a growing number have returned to their pre-Covid life. One can only hope that those in each group have accurately calculated the risks and benefits that their decision entails.”