Here's How Strictly NJ Is Following The Quarantine: Rutgers Poll

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — So, just how strictly are most New Jersey residents following the quarantine?

Eighty percent of New Jersey residents polled said they have not left home since the pandemic began, except for essential services such as food and medical care, according to the latest Rutgers-Eagleton Poll, released Wednesday.

Seventy-four percent have not invited anyone into their home who is not a member of their household. About three-quarters (74%) say they have either cancelled, rescheduled, or decided against making travel plans; a similar number (72%) say they have cancelled hosting or attending a large event or gathering.

Rutgers polled 1,502 adults called on landlines and cell phones from April 22 – May 2. Interviews were mostly done in English, but when requested, done in Spanish.

One hundred percent of those polled said they know that experts have recommended frequent handwashing, 98% know that avoiding gatherings with large numbers of people and staying home if sick are recommended, and 97% know that healthy people should wear face masks in public.

Most New Jerseyans say they have heeded experts’ recommendations: 96% say they are washing their hands with soap and water more frequently, 98% have worn a face mask and/or gloves, and 88% have used more disinfectant, such as hand sanitizer and wipes.

“A large majority of New Jerseyans say they are following social distancing orders but not to the same extent as somewhat easier measures, like handwashing and masks,” said Ashley Koning, assistant research professor and director of the Rutgers Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling. “Social distancing will only become harder as the weather gets nicer, as more restrictions get lifted, and as residents take more calculated risks, so these numbers will undoubtedly change in the weeks to come.”

The poll also found most New Jerseyans are well informed about COVID-19, including how it is transmitted, its major symptoms, what to do if infected and which populations are most at risk.

Most New Jerseyans are well aware of how the virus is transmitted, Rutgers found. The two main ways the virus can spread is by being in close physical proximity with an infected individual, as well as touching surfaces that contain small amounts of bodily fluids from an infected individual. Ninety seven percent of people who took the study answered this question correctly.

More than eight in ten (83%) correctly know it cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites. About nine in ten are aware that a COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available (93%) and that the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect people from it (91%).

Almost all New Jersey residents know the two most common symptoms, a fever and a dry cough. New Jerseyans are less clear on whether other symptoms are indicative of the virus, however. Seventy-four percent believe a rash is not a common sign, while 19% say it is.

Like many viruses, a rash indeed may be a symptom, but at the time of this survey, rash was not confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a symptom of COVID-19.

Residents are mixed on whether nasal congestion — usually a sign of allergies during this season — is an indication of coronavirus: 45% say it is, while 47% say it is not. The latest guidance from the CDC does not include nasal congestion as a symptom. The complete list of symptoms offered by the CDC currently includes: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell and, less commonly noted, gastrointestinal symptoms.

“Virtually all New Jerseyans are well versed in the basics that we have known from the very beginning about this virus,” said Koning. “The problem is, however, that what we know about the virus keeps evolving, with more symptoms being added to official lists in the last week or so alone. This constantly changing landscape can cause confusion, so New Jerseyans must continue to be vigilant in informing themselves about the virus.”

An overwhelming majority also understands the correct actions to take if a person believes they are infected. Eighty-six percent know that, as recommended by the CDC and health professionals, someone who suspects they have COVID-19 should stay home and call a medical provider. Just 13% believe a symptomatic individual should immediately seek care at an emergency room or urgent care facility, which is not recommended by public health officials in most cases.

Under most circumstances, symptoms of COVID-19 are mild and can be managed at home while practicing self-isolation. If an individual has an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), however, medical attention should be sought right away.

When it comes to identifying the groups who are most at risk, more than nine in ten New Jerseyans correctly believe that those over the age of 60 (96%) and those with chronic health conditions (98%) have a higher risk than others of developing serious medical issues if they become infected with COVID-19. Two-thirds of residents (67%), on the other hand, believe that children do not face more risks than other groups, while about a quarter (27%) believe they do.

At the time of this survey, the health complications experienced by children were not well known. More recent evidence points to the need to study further the potential health complications in children infected by the coronavirus.

In general, 72% correctly believe that most people infected with COVID-19 recover without developing serious complications, compared to 18% who think most of those infected develop serious complications that require intensive care; another 10 percent are unsure.

When it comes to prevention, 31% strongly agree and 37% somewhat agree that they feel confident in their ability to prevent themselves and their family from becoming infected with the coronavirus. Almost all furthermore agree (71% strongly, 24% somewhat) that they know what actions to take to prevent infection among themselves or a family member.