A recent study in the U.S. reveals that the fear of COVID-19 still lingers among people. According to the Pew Research Center, 21% of Americans believe COVID-19 is still a major health threat, while 39% say they no longer take it seriously. Additionally, 63% of respondents believe that getting tested for COVID-19 when feeling unwell is important for timely treatment.

During the peak of the pandemic, masks were a crucial defense, but many have now stopped wearing them. According to the Pew Research survey, 80% of Americans are unwilling to wear masks anymore, while 40% said they would wear them only if they fall sick. Interestingly, 16% of respondents believe that nothing will change regardless of any new outbreaks.

Between 2020 and 2021, COVID-19 claimed around 7 million lives worldwide, with nearly 700 million infections recorded. Originating in China, the virus spread globally, instilling fear even today. Whenever a new virus emerges from China, people worry about another pandemic. However, in 2024, fear has decreased, with 67% of Americans still concerned about a possible resurgence.