LIers Still Worried About Coronavirus, But Won't Vaccinate: Poll

OCEANSIDE, NY — A poll conducted by Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital found that many Long Island residents still have fears about the coronavirus, and would avoid large gatherings even as the state begins reopening. It also found that less than half of people would want to receive a vaccination for the virus.

The latest Truth in Medicine Poll conducted by the hospital found that two thirds of Long Island residents would not attend a sporting event, go to a movie or ride mass transit as the area begins reopening. And 86 percent said they would not shake someone's hand.

And despite all the deaths caused by the virus, 55 percent of residents said they were unsure or simply would not get a vaccine from the virus — up from 45 percent from a poll in February, before the height of the outbreak.

“It’s disturbing that there is reluctance about a potential vaccine. However, we’re hopeful that as one is developed, tested, and proven effective, people’s attitudes will change,” said Dr. Aaron E. Glatt, chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau and a national expert on infectious diseases. “Although a vaccine is still some months away, early research shows promise that a vaccine could prevent a resurgence of COVID-19. Science is on our side. Right now, there is still too much unknown about a potential vaccine, and I assume that uncertainty is what we are seeing reflected in the poll results.”

Despite reluctance to get a vaccine, messaging about preventing the spread of the virus has seem to stick with residents. One third of Long Islanders said they contracted the coronavirus or knew someone who did. Nearly every respondent said they would continue wearing a mask for the foreseeable future. Only 3 percent said they are not currently wearing masks.

“Very few aspects of day-to-day life have remained unchanged during the COVID-19 era,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s executive vice president for clinical and professional affairs, and chief medical officer. “It is a positive sign that the vast majority of people remain reluctant to resume normal life post-COVID-19. The public health education that has been going on during the last two months has made a lasting impact, which is good. The virus is still out there and active. We must remain vigilant in our social distancing effort. There is good reason why we should not be returning to life as normal just yet.”

This is South Nassau’s second poll on the region’s response to the coronavirus. The first poll, conducted from Feb. 5 through 9, found that 62 percent of respondents were very concerned about the coronavirus outbreak. However, at the time, residents saw the flu as a more serious threat than coronavirus.

A majority of respondents in this poll said they felt comfortable receiving medical care, going to an emergency room and returning to work, only if safety precautions were followed. Slightly more than half said they would go to a beach or park with social distancing and sanitizing practices in place.

In another major area of concern, residents are eager to have children return to school. Of those who responded, 71 percent with children under the age of 18 said they will send their children back to school in the fall, although 52 percent will do so only with appropriate social distancing and sanitizing practices in place. But 16 percent said they will not send their children back to school in the fall. A majority of parents believe remote learning has gone “very well” or “well.”

Concern about coronavirus returning in the fall is high. And concern is higher than average among Hispanic respondents, women and those 65-plus.

In every case, men are more willing than women to resume public activities, both with and without restrictions. Respondents under 50, especially parents of children under age 18, are more likely to return to the workplace, go to the beach or a park, attend a religious service, eat in a restaurant/go to a bar, attend a sporting event or go to a movie than older respondents and those without children.

South Nassau’s experts recommend that people remain vigilant and wear masks in public. Handwashing is key, as is maintaining social distancing and avoiding unnecessary gatherings, even through the summer months. These practices can help reduce a second surge.

“A resurgence of the virus is certainly possible, and it is up to our community to keep its impact minimal,” Glatt said.