According to new survey, 40% of Americans will not attend concerts until coronavirus vaccine is readily available

by: Farrell Sweeney Apr 30, 2020

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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, people across the world are left wondering when—or rather, if—life will return to normal. Recently, Reuters/Ipsos conducted a survey asking Americans whether they would be comfortable attending large gatherings such as sports events, concerts, movies, and amusement parks when they reopen to the public. Reuters assessed whether people would be comfortable attending these large gatherings until there was a proven vaccine for the virus—the result, 40 percent of Americans plan not to return to sports events, concerts, movies, and amusement parks until there is a proven coronavirus vaccine.

Only about six in 10 who follow sports avidly and go to arts and entertainment venues said they would do so again if they reopened before a vaccine was available, the poll found. Another four in 10 said they were willing to wait, even if it takes more than a year to develop a vaccine. The rest said they either “don’t know” what to do or may never attend those events again.

There are as many as 100 potential vaccines in development throughout the world, but scientists are projecting that bringing one to market could take as long as 18 months. The opinion poll indicates that, even if concerts and other large gatherings carry on during the back half of the year, many would likely forego attending unless a vaccine was made readily available before that time. For festivals such as Coachella that have been rescheduled, only time will tell whether the promise of holding the event is realistic, and if Coachella does go on, whether people will be comfortable attending.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll surveyed 4,429 American adults from April 15 to 21, asking about their previous attendance at sports events and live concerts and their interest in attending if they reopened before a coronavirus vaccine is available. The poll questions noted a vaccine might not be available for more than a year.

Via: Reuters/Ipsos

Featured image: Jacob Tyler Dunn