response to changes in infection rates throughout the country. Optimism was greatest in May and June 2021 when infections were sharply declining and most U.S.
adults had gotten, or were getting, COVID-19 vaccinations.In contrast, optimism was lowest in the fall of 2020, before the release of vaccines and at the beginning of an infection surge that would peak in January 2021.
Americans were also decidedly pessimistic in August 2021 and January 2022, also times when COVID-19 cases spiked.The latest survey, conducted July 26-Aug.
2, captures public opinion when new COVID-19 infections have risen to roughly 100,000 per day, on average, as the BA.2 variant has spread.