Majority of Americans say worst of pandemic is behind us: CNN poll

The majority of Americans feel like the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over, according to a new CNN Poll conducted by SSRS. 

The study, conducted via phone March 3-8, asked a sample of 1,009 respondents above the age of 18 various coronavirus-related questions.

More than three-quarters of those surveyed said they felt that the worst of the pandemic had already happened, with 77 percent indicating so — a large increase from a poll taken Jan. 9-14, when just 49 percent indicated feeling that way.

The pandemic still remained the top concern for 30 percent of Americans out of a list that included the economy, racial injustice and more. Fewer people feel that way than they did in January, however, when 46 percent of respondents cited it as their primary issue.

Forty-two percent of respondents said they have a lot of confidence in President Biden’s ability to handle the COVID-19 pandemic, while 25 percent reported some confidence and 30 percent had no real confidence in him. Biden, who just passed the 50-day mark of taking office, signed his $1.9 trillion coronavirus rescue package into law on Thursday.

In terms of the economy, 42 percent of respondents feel that things are on the right track but not progressing, with 55 percent of respondents saying Biden doesn’t having a clear plan for economic recovery. More than half of respondents, 53 percent, also worry he doesn’t have a solid plan for returning to in-person learning. Slightly less feel he’s prepared to tackle the economy at 43 percent, and 44 percent feel he’s prepared to get children back on campus.

Respondents showed more confidence in the president’s plan for achieving herd immunity through vast vaccination efforts, with 63 percent believing he has a clear plan. A minority of 33 percent did not agree.

 The study reported a margin of error of 3.6 percentage points at 95 percent confidence level.