A recent survey of St. Lawrence County residents shows respondents reported feeling more isolated and with higher levels of anxiety due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Lewis County public health departments, working with the Center for Community Studies at Jefferson Community College recently conducted a survey of impacts of COVID-19 on area residents. The survey was conducted from April 1-3 with a total of 2,076 respondents from the three counties.

Highlights of the survey results include:

• 54.5% felt more isolated and lonely than usual (St. Lawrence 52%, 57% Jefferson, 52% Lewis,) and 64% felt more anxiety and nervousness than usual (St. Lawrence 62%, Jefferson 67%, Lewis 62%). The younger the person, the more likely they were to report these feelings.

• 71% report being very or somewhat concerned that they or a loved one will get COVID-19 (St. Lawrence 76%, Jefferson 66%, Lewis 67%).

• 79% are concerned that local healthcare workers will contract COVID-19 and be unable to work (St. Lawrence 82%, Jefferson 77%, Lewis 77%).

• 59% have very serious or somewhat serious concerns that not enough testing is being done locally (St. Lawrence 44.5%, Jefferson 33%, Lewis 27%).

• 53% of parents with children are finding it difficult to provide children's education at home (St. Lawrence 52%, Jefferson 57%, Lewis 43.5%).

• 24% had visited with friends inside their friend’s home or their own home at least once in the past week (St. Lawrence 20%, Jefferson 29%, Lewis 27%). The younger the person the more likely they reported doing this.

• 33% reported a loss of income from a job or business (St. Lawrence 30%, Jefferson 35%, Lewis 37%).

• Among those people still employed, 47% have very serious or somewhat serious concerns with losing income (47% Jefferson, 42%=Lewis, 47%= St. Lawrence).

• 59.5% report concern that the US will not go far enough in limiting the movement and activities of Americans. (St. Lawrence 63%, Jefferson 57%, Lewis 54%)

• Residents report overall trust in the US leadership, NYS government and the local health department. 66% report satisfaction with the local health department with 9.8% unsure (St. Lawrence 68%, Jefferson 63%, Lewis 75%).

• When asked the open ended question, “please describe what you feel is the single most important thing that North Country Public Health Departments and/or Economic Development leaders could do to help you,” the top two responses that the majority of the respondents answered with were “communicate more/better” and “enforce social distancing/restrictions.”

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