Reports of empty store shelves and shortages suggest Americans have changed their habits.
How are we preparing for Covid-19?
A week makes a big difference.
In the last week there has been an increase in the percentage of Americans who report buying extra supplies. On March 21, nearly 60% of Americans report buying extra food, up from 35% the week before. In the same time period, the percent of Americans buying masks and gloves rose from 47% to 52%.
During the last week, the percentage of Americans who report avoiding crowds rose from just below 57% to 92% and the percent who report that they stopped going to the store rose from nearly 8% to almost 30%.
Over the last week, the percent of Americans who report canceling plans with friends increased from 24% to 74% and the percentage of Americans who report they have stopped shaking hands rose from 43% to 82%.
Not all groups are preparing equally. Women are more likely to report buying extra food than men, and whites report buying extra food at lower rates than non-whites.
Men and Latinos are the two groups least likely to report avoiding crowds.
Latinos and Asians are the groups most likely to report they have stopped going to the store.
Men and Whites are the group least likely to cancel plans with friends.
African-Americans are the group least likely to report they have stopped attending church or religious services.