LOS ANGELES — Americans far and wide are waiting with bated breath as states push forward with reopening plans amid screams to move on from the coronavirus quarantine. Others, of course, are throwing their hats into the wind and eking their way back into normalcy be it by getting haircuts and manicures, or eating outside at their favorite restaurant. It’s a risk many are taking despite ongoing warnings to stay home and continue social distancing. Now, a survey shows that most adults do want to maintain a strong level of COVID precautions, while still getting out and resuming life as they had before.
The survey of 212 Americans conducted for the app WaitSafely finds that a whopping 82% of people would prefer to shop at stores that limit the number of patrons who can enter. Most states that have lifted coronavirus restrictions are allowing customers to return, but business owners can only permit a certain percentage in the premises at a time. WaitSafely offers businesses the ability to use a patent-pending text message system that notifies customers when it’s their turn to enter a store or restaurant.
Technology Can Help Maintain Social Distancing As Cities Reopen
The technology seems to be favorable in the eyes of most survey participants. More than three-quarters — about 78% — agree that receiving a text message is ideal, as opposed to waiting in line. The latter option means customers may not only be standing around for mind-numbing periods of time, but they could also be sharing close quarters with many people in the process.
Participants viewed the option as a great way to get out while still respecting coronavirus safety procedures.
“I think it is a great idea especially for elderly people and disabled and also those with limited time to shop,” one respondent writes.
With shops only allowing half or a quarter of consumers in at a time, that could mean those who have to wait could be twiddling their thumbs for quite some time. Says another survey participant:Â “It’s a great way to allow people to social distance.”
But not everyone was on board. For the 18% of participants who would not visit a business following capacity restrictions, some say they feel such rules are unnecessary. This segment seems to prefer moving in the direction of less social distancing and more normalcy. “I would avoid any store that limits people,” writes one person.
“This whole thing is absolutely ridiculous,” argues another. “You have a better chance of winning the lottery that you do getting this virus.”
Nonetheless, two thirds of participants admit they’re more likely to take their business to places that use a text-messaging waitlist. Only 9% would be less likely to visit such a store, while a quarter are indifferent.
Whatever your opinion is, society is already knee-deep in a massive change from life as we knew it. Rules and restrictions will likely stay in place to some degree for a long time, or at least until a coronavirus vaccine is readily available.
The survey was conducted by SurveyMonkey.
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