Survey Results Show That Voters Fear COVID-19 Restrictions and Lockdowns More Than Virus

Rasmussen Polling on COVID-19

Between January 24 – 25, 2022, Scott Rasmussen conducted a survey of 1,200 registered voters to gauge their positions and opinions on a number of issues pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registered voters demonstrated conflicting views on the COVID-19 pandemic. A majority believe the worst of the pandemic is still to come, as opposed to being behind us. That said, an even higher proportion fear unnecessary restrictions and lockdowns more than getting the virus itself.

When asked whether they believe the worst of the pandemic is behind us or if it is still to come, 44% of registered voters said it is still to come. Only 29% say the worst is behind us.

This is a net difference of 15-points, skewed towards those who believe the worst is still to come.
These trendlines have eclipsed each other twice. From August through the end of September 2021, most voters believed the worst of the pandemic was yet to come. Immediately following through the end of November 2021, the majority of voters believed the worst was behind us, only to be followed more recently by a shift back to the original majority stance.
This is a massive shift in voter opinion over the course of just a few months, regressing back towards fear of the virus, despite 66% of respondents to this survey being vaccinated.

49% of registered voters are more concerned about restrictions and lockdowns than they are about getting the COVID-19 virus. This is the first time concern for restrictions has surpassed fear of the virus.

Another 42% of respondents are fearful of getting the COVID-19 virus, despite 66% being vaccinated.

Under one-third of registered voters who have taken a COVID test say they tested positive for COVID-19. Most of all the survey participants believe it is unlikely they were ever infected by the virus.

69% of respondents say they have taken a COVID-19 test at least once. Only 30% of these individuals say they have tested positive.
Of the respondents who tested positive, only 14% were ever hospitalized. Of those hospitalized, 67% say their case was not very or not at all serious.
66% of all respondents believe it is unlikely they ever had COVID. 27% believe it is likely.

FreedomWorks Foundation maintains a partnership with renowned pollster Scott Rasmussen, working to evaluate the attitudes of Americans and develop messaging that connects with them.