Many Patch Readers Concerned About FL’s COVID Surge: Survey

FLORIDA — In recent weeks, the number of new COVID-19 cases has surged suddenly throughout Florida.

From July 23-29, the state reported more than 110,000 new cases from July 23-29 and an 18.1 percent new case positivity rate, according to the Florida Department of Health's COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report.

That’s a significant jump from the week before, when Florida reported more than 73,000 new cases were reported and a positivity rate of 15.1 percent from July 16-22. The week before that, 46,000 cases and an 11.5 percent positivity rate were reported for from July 9-15, according to state data.

This surge comes after Florida’s COVID-19 numbers started to drop in the spring and life began resuming a sense of normalcy.

To gauge how Florida Patch readers feel about this increase in cases and how it might be affecting their day-to-day lives, Patch conducted a reader survey.

Patch received 761 responses to the survey, which is meant not to be a scientific poll, but only to give a broad idea of public sentiment.

Many Florida Patch readers say they’re worried as they watch the number of cases now being reported by the DOH increase each week.

According to the survey, nearly 79 percent of respondents said they’re concerned about the recent surge in coronavirus cases, while 19 percent aren’t concerned, and more than 2 percent weren’t sure how they felt.

“After being happy that my husband and I had survived the last year, it horrifies me that we are now going to struggle again,” one reader wrote.

Another wrote, “It’s like the Wild West in Florida.”

During the spring dip in cases, around 56 percent of the survey’s respondent’ said they relaxed their personal pandemic safety precautions, such as mask wearing and social distancing. Nearly 40 percent of respondents said they wore masks and adhered to social distancing guidelines at the same level, while nearly 4 percent said they increased these practices despite the dropping numbers.

With this new surge, about 75 percent of respondents said they will be more careful in public and follower stricter safety precautions. Nearly 21 percent said they don’t plan to be more careful, and 4 percent are uncertain.

“Makes you not want to go anywhere or do anything again,” a reader wrote. “Wear masks!”

According to the survey, 49 percent of those who responded said they currently wear a face mask in public spaces, while nearly 23 percent said they don’t and about 28 percent said they’ll wear a mask sometimes, depending on where they are.

As for social distancing, nearly 56 percent of respondents said they’re keeping their distance from others in public, while 17 percent said they don’t and about 27 percent said it depends on where they are.

Of those who responded to the survey, about 71 percent said they think Florida should adopt a statewide mask mandate and possible other safety protocols as COVID-19 cases increase. About 24 percent said they don’t think such mandates are necessary, while nearly 5 percent say they aren’t sure.

“People are too confident they won't get the illness. (The) state should mandate masks everywhere, indoors and outdoors,” a respondent wrote.

Many respondents had some harsh words for Florida’s Gov. Ron DeSantis, who they say isn’t taking the virus’ rise in the state seriously enough.

One wrote, “I'm deeply concerned, just when we thought we could relax and go back to some kind of normal. When is this governor going to open his eyes and stop seeing everything as politics?”

Another wrote, “Take the situation as a serious public health issue, starting with the governor, who is more worried about playing politics and making fun of wearing masks, instead of encouraging responsible behavior.”

“DeSantis mistakenly thinks this will go away on its own. He's ignoring it completely,” another respondent wrote.

Many readers expressed frustration with unvaccinated Floridians.

About 88 percent of those who responded to this survey say they’ve received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, while 12 percent haven’t. Most of the new COVID-19 cases in Florida and elsewhere are affecting those who are unvaccinated.

“The surge is unacceptable and dangerous. The unvaccinated are endangering us all because they enable new strains to develop,” one reader wrote. “It is time to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations and masks. Contract tracing needs to be done, too.”

Another wrote, “It was a no-brainer. I can’t honestly think of a reason why any reasonable, educated person who cares about public health would decline it.”

With cases on the rise in Florida, vaccinated survey respondents shared the public spaces where they’re most comfortable. About 77 percent said they’ll eat or drink in outdoor eating at a bar or restaurant, while only 40 percent said they’re comfortable with indoor seating.

About 60 percent of respondents said they’d attend outdoor markets and community events. Only 35 percent said they’d attend small indoor gatherings or events and 17 percent said they’d comfortably attend indoor events with more than 50 people.

As for grocery stores, nearly 59 percent of those who responded said they’re comfortable in grocery stores. And nearly 65 percent said they’d attend events only with other vaccinated people, while nearly 20 percent said they’d attend events with both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.

As for unvaccinated respondents, more of them seemed comfortable in many public spaces. Nearly 72 percent said they’re comfortable in indoor seating at restaurants and bars, about 65 percent said they’d attend indoor events with more than 50 people and about 81 percent said they’re comfortable at grocery stores.