Even as COVID-19 continues to spread, many people over Memorial Day Weekend treated it like any other vacation. Beachgoers thronged along shorelines all over the US. Oceanfront bars were packed to the gills, and the attitudes on display made things like masks and gloves disposable. For many people in the US, the desire to get past the virus seems to have changed how they feel about social distancing.
However, other groups saw people remembering the guidelines. In some areas, beachgoers could be seen over the long weekend wearing masks and staying in smaller groupings.
As the pandemic continues, a picture of two divergent attitudes is being drawn. There are those taking the virus seriously, who are heeding medical expert advice. Then there are those who are unconcerned with the virus, who don’t seem to care whether they get it.
This wild divergence in attitude might seem baffling at first glance. People who think the virus is a major public health concern are likely confused at beachgoers not wearing masks. Likewise, those that think the virus is being overblown find it strange that people are still wearing masks and staying six feet apart. What’s the disconnect? Well, these two groups have basic assumptions of worldview that differ dramatically from one another.
People who have been interviewed while not wearing masks and gathering in large public groups have a consistent response. They’re outside because if they get the virus, so be it. Often, these people aren’t in the risk group for COVID-19. Similarly, most of them report that, if they do get the virus, they’ll self-isolate. However, they often state they’re not worried about even getting it, often due to having not interacted with anyone showing symptoms.
Another factor making continued social distancing measures and lockdowns so hard is that these measures are new to most Americans. This is the first time in living memory that a pandemic has caused a widespread shutdown of businesses and schools. People looking for a way out of this lockdown may feel as though the only path forward is to disregard social distancing rules.
Many experts now believe that the US is likely to see a second spike in cases in the fall, thanks to relaxed restrictions over the summer. As such, many are now assuming that the US will be moving in a very different direction to get out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike countries like New Zealand, that managed to contain the virus, the US will likely end up with herd immunity. And, notably, a much higher death toll: nearly 100,000 Americans have died from the virus.
