Five years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a survey conducted by the Siena College Research Institute reveals the significant impact the virus has had on New Yorkers.
According to the survey, 67 percent of respondents reported that they or a family member contracted COVID-19, and 45 percent experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. The survey, conducted from March 17 to March 24, also found that 36 percent of participants had a close friend or family member die from COVID-19.
The federal government's response to the pandemic was rated as "fair" or "poor" by most respondents, while opinions on the state's response were divided. Half of those surveyed thought the state's response was "excellent" or "good," while the other half rated it as "fair" or "poor".
Despite the challenges, many New Yorkers found silver linings during the shutdown. The survey revealed that most respondents felt the pandemic helped them focus on what truly matters and deepened some of their relationships.
However, 43 percent of participants expressed a desire to move on from the pandemic. Don Levy, Director of the Siena College Research Institute, commented, "they no longer want to talk or think about COVID-19 and that they try to act like it never happened."
Nevertheless, the pandemic has left an indelible mark on New Yorkers, affecting their health, finances, and personal relationships.
