Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
What are Americans worried about?
Heading into a critical midterm election year, the top political concerns of Americans are shifting in ways that suggest Democrats face considerable challenges to maintaining their control of Congress.
A poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds that management of the coronavirus pandemic, once an issue that strongly favored President Joe Biden and his fellow Democrats, is beginning to recede in the minds of Americans. COVID-19 is increasingly overshadowed by concerns about the economy and personal finances — particularly inflation — which are topics that could lift Republicans.
Just 37% of Americans name the virus as one of their top five priorities for the government to work on in 2022, compared with 53% who said it was a leading priority at the same time a year ago. The economy outpaced the pandemic in the open-ended question, with 68% of respondents mentioning it in some way as a top 2022 concern. A similar percentage said the same last year, but mentions of inflation are much higher now: 14% this year, compared with less than 1% last year.
One lockdown ends, another begins
Uganda’s schools reopened to students on Monday, ending the world’s longest school disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reopening caused traffic congestion in some areas of the capital, Kampala, and students can be seen carrying their mattresses in the streets, a back-to-boarding school phenomenon not witnessed here for nearly two years.
Uganda’s schools have been fully or partially shut for more than 83 weeks, the world’s longest disruption, according to figures from the U.N. cultural agency. The shutdown affected more than 10 million learners.
Meanwhile, the numbers are small, but the major port of Tianjin may be facing China’s first local outbreak of omicron of any size, less than a month before the Winter Olympics open in nearby Beijing.
State broadcaster CCTV said the government has divided Tianjin and its 14 million residents into three levels of restrictions, starting with lockdown areas where people are not allowed to leave their homes at all.
Staffing shortages in head-to-head battle with the virus
Hospitals around the U.S. are increasingly taking the extraordinary step of allowing nurses and other workers infected with the coronavirus to stay on the job if they have mild symptoms or none at all.
The move is a reaction to the severe hospital staffing shortages and crushing caseloads that the omicron variant is causing.
But, starting Saturday, private health insurers will be required to cover up to eight home COVID-19 tests per month for people on their plans. The Biden administration announced the change Monday as it looks to lower costs and make testing for the virus more convenient amid rising frustrations.
Under the new policy, first detailed to the AP, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for free under their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for reimbursement, up to the monthly per-person limit. A family of four, for instance, could be reimbursed for up to 32 tests per month. PCR tests and rapid tests ordered or administered by a health provider will continue to be fully covered by insurance with no limit.
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: eldar nurkovic / Shutterstock
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Americans to reassess their living arrangements, work situations, how they travel, and how they spend their free time. It has also impacted how they manage at home when faced with a COVID-19 infection or exposure in order to keep others safe.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people infected with COVID-19 self-isolate at home and stay in a specific “sick room” and use a separate bathroom if possible. However, many American households do not have enough rooms or amenities to quarantine effectively. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that at least 11.5 million households, or 13.1% of multi-person households, are unable to effectively quarantine due to not having enough bedrooms, a full kitchen, or complete plumbing in their homes.
CDC data shows that minorities are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death when compared to non-Hispanic Whites. This is due to a number of factors, including the increased prevalence of certain underlying health conditions among minorities, unequal access to health care, and increased exposure to the virus due to occupation. American Indian or Alaska Natives are at particularly high risk of both COVID-19 infections and adverse outcomes. In comparison to non-Hispanic Whites, they are 1.6 times as likely to become infected with COVID-19, 3.3 times as likely to be hospitalized, and 2.2 times as likely to die. Other minorities, especially Hispanics and Blacks, are also at a much greater risk of infection, hospitalization, and death.
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Photo Credit: eldar nurkovic / Shutterstock
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Americans to reassess their living arrangements, work situations, how they travel, and how they spend their free time. It has also impacted how they manage at home when faced with a COVID-19 infection or exposure in order to keep others safe.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that people infected with COVID-19 self-isolate at home and stay in a specific “sick room” and use a separate bathroom if possible. However, many American households do not have enough rooms or amenities to quarantine effectively. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, it is estimated that at least 11.5 million households, or 13.1% of multi-person households, are unable to effectively quarantine due to not having enough bedrooms, a full kitchen, or complete plumbing in their homes.
CDC data shows that minorities are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death when compared to non-Hispanic Whites. This is due to a number of factors, including the increased prevalence of certain underlying health conditions among minorities, unequal access to health care, and increased exposure to the virus due to occupation. American Indian or Alaska Natives are at particularly high risk of both COVID-19 infections and adverse outcomes. In comparison to non-Hispanic Whites, they are 1.6 times as likely to become infected with COVID-19, 3.3 times as likely to be hospitalized, and 2.2 times as likely to die. Other minorities, especially Hispanics and Blacks, are also at a much greater risk of infection, hospitalization, and death.
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
Not only are minority households at greater risk of COVID-19 infection and adverse outcomes, but they are also less likely than non-Hispanic White households to be able to quarantine effectively when considering the availability of separate bedrooms, the presence of a full kitchen, and complete plumbing. Over one in four Hispanic households are unable to quarantine effectively due to their living arrangement; similarly high rates are observed in other non-White communities. In contrast, less than one out of every 10 non-Hispanic White households lack the basic necessities to quarantine an individual effectively.
Not only are minority households at greater risk of COVID-19 infection and adverse outcomes, but they are also less likely than non-Hispanic White households to be able to quarantine effectively when considering the availability of separate bedrooms, the presence of a full kitchen, and complete plumbing. Over one in four Hispanic households are unable to quarantine effectively due to their living arrangement; similarly high rates are observed in other non-White communities. In contrast, less than one out of every 10 non-Hispanic White households lack the basic necessities to quarantine an individual effectively.
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
Locations with large minority populations and expensive housing are more likely to face challenges in this area. At the state level, residents of California and New York are most disadvantaged when it comes to taking effective quarantine measures. It’s estimated that more than 20% of multi-person households don’t have sufficient space to isolate an infected member of the home if needed. At the opposite end of the spectrum, residents in less expensive and less diverse states like Wyoming and West Virginia are more likely to have the necessary space to do so.
Locations with large minority populations and expensive housing are more likely to face challenges in this area. At the state level, residents of California and New York are most disadvantaged when it comes to taking effective quarantine measures. It’s estimated that more than 20% of multi-person households don’t have sufficient space to isolate an infected member of the home if needed. At the opposite end of the spectrum, residents in less expensive and less diverse states like Wyoming and West Virginia are more likely to have the necessary space to do so.
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
To find the metropolitan areas where residents are unable to quarantine, researchers at Smartest Dollar analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The researchers ranked metro areas according to the percentage of multi-person households without the space or facilities needed to effectively quarantine an individual. For the purpose of this analysis, this means having complete plumbing, a full kitchen, and enough bedrooms to isolate an individual without forcing the remaining household members to sleep with more than two people in a bedroom. Researchers also included the percentage of the population that is not non-Hispanic White in each location and the poverty rate.
Here are the metros where residents lack the space or facilities needed to quarantine.
To find the metropolitan areas where residents are unable to quarantine, researchers at Smartest Dollar analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The researchers ranked metro areas according to the percentage of multi-person households without the space or facilities needed to effectively quarantine an individual. For the purpose of this analysis, this means having complete plumbing, a full kitchen, and enough bedrooms to isolate an individual without forcing the remaining household members to sleep with more than two people in a bedroom. Researchers also included the percentage of the population that is not non-Hispanic White in each location and the poverty rate.
Here are the metros where residents lack the space or facilities needed to quarantine.
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: LHBLLC / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.2%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 40,004
- Minority population share: 48.9%
- Poverty rate: 13.8%
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Photo Credit: LHBLLC / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.2%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 40,004
- Minority population share: 48.9%
- Poverty rate: 13.8%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Roschetzky Photography / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.2%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 85,951
- Minority population share: 48.4%
- Poverty rate: 10.1%
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Photo Credit: Roschetzky Photography / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.2%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 85,951
- Minority population share: 48.4%
- Poverty rate: 10.1%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Bob Pool / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.3%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 100,425
- Minority population share: 27.7%
- Poverty rate: 9.6%
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Photo Credit: Bob Pool / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.3%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 100,425
- Minority population share: 27.7%
- Poverty rate: 9.6%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.6%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 85,677
- Minority population share: 66.8%
- Poverty rate: 13.5%
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Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 14.6%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 85,677
- Minority population share: 66.8%
- Poverty rate: 13.5%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 15.0%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 95,005
- Minority population share: 48.7%
- Poverty rate: 11.9%
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Photo Credit: Andriy Blokhin / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 15.0%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 95,005
- Minority population share: 48.7%
- Poverty rate: 11.9%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Jeremy Janus / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 15.5%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 174,215
- Minority population share: 38.3%
- Poverty rate: 7.8%
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Photo Credit: Jeremy Janus / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 15.5%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 174,215
- Minority population share: 38.3%
- Poverty rate: 7.8%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: CK Foto / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 15.8%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 305,147
- Minority population share: 55.1%
- Poverty rate: 10.5%
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Photo Credit: CK Foto / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 15.8%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 305,147
- Minority population share: 55.1%
- Poverty rate: 10.5%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Jon Bilous / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 17.1%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 188,528
- Minority population share: 69.3%
- Poverty rate: 12.2%
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Photo Credit: Jon Bilous / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 17.1%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 188,528
- Minority population share: 69.3%
- Poverty rate: 12.2%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: nektofadeev / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 17.6%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 321,384
- Minority population share: 64.9%
- Poverty rate: 12.9%
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Photo Credit: nektofadeev / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 17.6%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 321,384
- Minority population share: 64.9%
- Poverty rate: 12.9%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Just dance / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 18.5%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 290,188
- Minority population share: 70.5%
- Poverty rate: 13.5%
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Photo Credit: Just dance / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 18.5%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 290,188
- Minority population share: 70.5%
- Poverty rate: 13.5%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 20.4%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 175,245
- Minority population share: 55.2%
- Poverty rate: 10.3%
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Photo Credit: Lucky-photographer / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 20.4%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 175,245
- Minority population share: 55.2%
- Poverty rate: 10.3%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 22.5%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 114,398
- Minority population share: 69.5%
- Poverty rate: 6.3%
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Photo Credit: Uladzik Kryhin / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 22.5%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 114,398
- Minority population share: 69.5%
- Poverty rate: 6.3%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Pete Niesen / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 23.8%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 295,921
- Minority population share: 61.4%
- Poverty rate: 8.2%
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Photo Credit: Pete Niesen / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 23.8%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 295,921
- Minority population share: 61.4%
- Poverty rate: 8.2%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Victor Moussa / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 24.7%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 1,294,365
- Minority population share: 54.9%
- Poverty rate: 11.6%
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Photo Credit: Victor Moussa / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 24.7%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 1,294,365
- Minority population share: 54.9%
- Poverty rate: 11.6%
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Inflation up, virus down on list of U.S. priorities? Plus more COVID-19 news
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Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 30.3%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 998,017
- Minority population share: 70.8%
- Poverty rate: 12.4%
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Photo Credit: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
- Percentage of households unable to quarantine: 30.3%
- Total households unable to quarantine: 998,017
- Minority population share: 70.8%
- Poverty rate: 12.4%