JULY 2, 2020 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ROI ROCKET: AMERICANS TORN BETWEEN CONCERNS FOR HEALTH & SAFETY AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY
At a time when 40 out of 50 states are reporting a surge in COVID-19 cases, Americans struggle to weigh
the cost in lives and livelihood
DENVER, CO – A recent survey by ROI Rocket, a leading market research-based consultancy, reveals a
country deeply conflicted by the dual goals of fighting the spread of the coronavirus and re-opening the
economy.
According to this poll, about two in five Americans (39%) are equally concerned about health & safety
and the economy, with about one in three (31%) strongly favoring the former and about 15% strongly
favoring the latter. This dilemma splits predictably along partisan lines. More than two in five Democrats
(44%) fall into the health & safety camp compared to less than half as many Republicans (19%) and
about one in four Independents (28%). On the flipside, about one in five Republicans (22%) fall into the
economic growth camp compared to only 9% of Democrats and 16% of Independents.
Regardless of political party, however, concerns about contracting the virus are on the rise. The number
of Americans ‘extremely concerned’ about getting infected is at its highest level since the third week in
May—just after the initial wave of community re-openings. About 35% now report being ‘extremely
concerned’ about contracting COVID-19, not coincidentally, the same percentage who believe life won’t
be back to normal until a year or more has passed.
Many chalk up the extended pandemic to an inadequate government response. More than one in four
(29%) believe strongly that the government response to the crisis has been less than what the situation
requires while only 12% harbor the belief that the government’s done more than circumstances require.
Democrats are more likely than Republicans to be disappointed in the government’s actions to combat
the virus. More than two in five Democrats (45%) feel this way compared to only 9% of Republicans.
The results of this poll show Americans are divided on the proper aims of government policy and their
level of trust in government to achieve them. Meanwhile, to a growing number of people, the future
looks increasingly grim.
ABOUT THIS RESEARCH
This study of 1,006 U.S. residents aged 18 and older was fielded between June 23 and June 26, 2020.
The results have an associated margin of error of +/- 3.1% at the 95% confidence level in the most
conservative case. This means the results come within plus or minus 3.1% of the results that would have
been obtained given a census of all qualified individuals. Sample collection was balanced to U.S. Census
figures for gender, age, race/ethnicity and household income.
ABOUT ROI ROCKET
Founded in 2007, ROI Rocket is a leading provider of full-service market research, marketing and
sales automation, and digital agency support with offices in Denver, CO, Vancouver, WA, and Jacksonville, FL.
PRESS CONTACTS
For additional information about this study, please contact David McGrath, CEO
(david.mcgrath@roirocket.com) or Libby Perkins, General Counsel (libby.perkins@roirocket.com).