COLORADO, USA — Healthier Colorado and The Colorado Health Foundation launched a statewide survey, conducted by Magellan Strategies, to understand the concerns, needs, experiences and viewpoints of Coloradans regarding the coronavirus pandemic.
Conducted in mid-April, 1,000 Coloradans were asked about the impact COVID-19 had on their employment, financial situation, opinions on what should be done, and their thoughts on the future.
The survey, released last week, revealed that 64% of Coloradans agreed with measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus while more widespread testing becomes available, even if that means many businesses will have to stay closed; 35% of respondents agreed that restrictions should be lifted in order to get the economy going.
Forty-seven percent of Coloradans say they or someone in their household has lost their job, lost income or had their paid hours reduced as a result of the coronavirus. Over the past five weeks, a total of 317,583 regular unemployment initial claims have been filed. When federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits are included the grand total is 358,489.
When asked about their financial situation, 43% of Coloradans report the coronavirus has made their financial situation worse. Negative financial impacts are especially prominent for respondents on Medicaid, with no health insurance, an income of less than $30,000, and ages 18-29.
Half of the Coloradans surveyed report their finical situation is about the same as before.
Nearly 60% of Coloradans said they want more assistance for those who can’t afford food, are struggling to pay rent and those who are homeless. Half of Coloradans would like to see more affordable healthcare and paid family leave.
When asked about who they trust for information, Coloradans pinned Colorado Department of Public Health and Safety, as well as the Centers for Disease Control to provide the most accurate information. The news media and President Donald Trump were the least trusted sources for information.
Looking forward, 43% of Coloradans believe the worst is yet to come. When asked about fear for themselves or someone in their household will lose their job, lose income, 57% of Coloradans feel very or somewhat concerned.
Hope is not completely lost; 78% of Coloradans believe their financial situation will be better or about the same one year from now.
The overall survey has a margin of error of +/- 3.1% at the 95% confidence interval.
You can read more about the poll and results here.
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