Concerns about COVID-19 in Iowa
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought change to our everyday lives, leading to unprecedented shifts in consumer behavior. As the state of Iowa continues to move towards economic recovery, Essman Research in partnership with the Business Record, an Iowa-based media company, conducted a statewide online survey to explore the sentiment around what safety measures businesses and Iowans need to take for residents to feel safe returning to work, traveling, dining out, shopping, and attending events in our new COVID-19 world.
A total of 928 online surveys were completed among Iowa employers/business decision makers; Iowans employed full-time and part-time, furloughed or unemployed; students, homemakers, and retired residents.
What we learned in 2020: The results, among the 928 Iowans surveyed, were notable in important ways that will impact when and under what conditions Iowans are willing to return to their offices and engage more fully in the economy. Iowans are gradually getting ready to get back outdoors, to the stores, restaurants and other venues. And while most are not ready to return to the office or large-sale public events, they have clear expectations about what the office setting will be like when they do. It’s going to be different! The online survey data provided a road map for employers to welcome employees and customers back to the office.
Wave One
709 Iowans, 18+ years of age, participated in this online survey
Data Collected April 6-10, 2020
How concerned are you about the community spread of coronavirus/COVID-19 in Iowa?
What concerns you the most about the coronavirus?
Regarding the government response, how would you rate the response of the federal, state and local government to COVID-19? (Good or excellent responses)
What are your primary sources for information for the coronavirus outbreak?
How long will it take the U.S. economy to rebound from the coronavirus?
How long will it take you to get back to your normal spending before the coronavirus outbreak?
In which categories are you currently spending less?
In which categories are you currently spending more?
What is the most significant change you will make in your life after the coronavirus crisis?
Wave Two
318 Iowans, 18+ years of age, participated in this online survey
Data Collected April 27-30, 2020
Concern about community spread
86% of the Iowans surveyed are concerned with community spread of the coronavirus. However, only 35% have completed the TestIowa online assessment.
What concerns you the most about COVID-19?
More than one-third (36%) of the Iowans surveyed are concerned that someone in their household, currently employed, could lose their job due to COVID-19.
86% of Iowans know family/friends who have lost their jobs or work hours reduced due to the coronavirus.
Stability of personal finances
82% of Iowans say their financial situation is “stable.” Nearly half of the Iowans have made adjustments to their personal finances either cutting their monthly expenses (48%) or delaying a major purchase (45%). Whereas, 33% of the Iowans have made no adjustments to their finances.
Increased stress levels since the coronavirus outbreak
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
78% of Iowans are likely to wear PPE when shopping for essential items.
70% are likely to wear PPE while at the workplace.
Impact of the coronavirus on Family and Iowans
Impact on the family: 78% of Iowans surveyed are more concerned/worried about their family’s health and well-being as opposed to their financial situation (22%).
Impact on Iowans: 52% of Iowans are more concerned/worried about the physical and mental health of Iowans as opposed to the impact of COVID-19 on the Iowa economy (48%).
Government response to COVID-19
(Good or Excellent response to COVID-19.)
How long will it take the economy to rebound?
U.S. Economy
Iowa Economy
Recovery - Returning to normal
Recovery
Once Iowa begins to re-open, most Iowans are not very comfortable resuming normal activities/getting out in public.
Not comfortable resuming the following types of activities.
Spending
More than half (54%) of Iowans believe it could take up to six months to return to their normal spending habits before the COVID-19 outbreak.
