Last month, we returned to some of the most interesting and controversial questions of the past year, each inspired by the Covid-19 pandemic. With the survey now complete, check out the infographic below to see how people’s opinions have changed. Here are the results:
My thoughts: Readers didn’t change their predictions about investments the United States will make in public health following the pandemic. In fact, readers ranked the options exactly the same one year later. However, when it comes to seizing opportunities to boost health equity, increase preventive care and curb obesity, readers were more pessimistic this time around.
Furthermore, reader feedback shows people are still worried that their fellow travelers will get on a plane and spread Covid-19. As such, most would enforce testing and/or vaccination requirements for domestic travel.
And finally, the majority of readers see the pandemic ending either this year or next, but there is also a growing sense (15%) that it never will.
It will be fascinating to see what changes in people’s opinions a year from now.
Thanks to those who voted. To participate in future surveys, and for access to timely news and opinion on American healthcare, sign up for my free (and ad-free) newsletter Monthly Musings on American Healthcare.
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Dr. Robert Pearl is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group, the nation’s largest physician group. He’s a Forbes contributor, bestselling author, Stanford University professor, and host of two healthcare podcasts. Pearl’s newest book, “Uncaring: How the Culture of Medicine Kills Doctors & Patients,” is available now. All profits from the book go to Doctors Without Borders.
