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Over the past 18 months, we've conducted a series of scientific surveys to help us understand how COVID-19 is impacting the personal and economic well-being of Tampa Bay residents. 
 
In our latest survey, we find evidence that members of our community are deeply divided over the COVID-19 vaccine and policies to promote its adoption, particularly within certain population segments.
 
According to the survey, 65% of all Tampa Bay residents are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but vaccination rates continue to lag for Hispanic residents (57%), Black residents (55%) and residents under 45 years old (45%). Political affiliation had a minimal impact on full vaccination rates, with adoption among both Democrats (73%) and Republicans (66%) exceeding that of all residents, while No Party Affiliation (NPA)/Independent voters fell below the regional average at 56%.

Among the 28% of Tampa Bay residents who have not been vaccinated, three in five are not likely to get the vaccine, citing concerns that it hasn’t been tested enough (53%), it won’t prevent COVID-19 (45%), it was developed too fast (44%), and it has too many side effects (36%).

While 66% of all residents “somewhat” or “strongly” agree that businesses should require employees who come to work in-person to be vaccinated or regularly tested for the virus, those residents who have not been vaccinated for COVID-19 are split over how they would respond to an employer vaccination mandate. 26% report that they would quit their job, 23% would get vaccinated, 20% would seek a religious or medical exemption, and 26% remain undecided.

Tampa Bay residents are divided over whether getting the vaccination is a personal choice or a public responsibility to protect the health of others. That division becomes more pronounced when considering political affiliation. Republicans are more likely to “strongly agree” that getting the vaccination is a personal choice (58%), while Democrats are more likely to “strongly agree” that getting the vaccination is a public responsibility (67%).
 
Residents are also divided over whether requiring proof of a COVID-19 vaccination for everyday activities outside the home (such as dining in a restaurant) is an acceptable way to increase the vaccination rate or an unacceptable infringement on personal rights. Democrats are more likely to “strongly agree” that this is an acceptable way to increase the vaccination rate (73%), while Republicans are more likely to “strongly agree” that this is an unacceptable infringement on personal rights (67%).

 

Also of note, among the individuals who were furloughed or lost their job due to the pandemic, over half (52%) have now returned to their old job or found a new job. But among those who have not yet returned to work, the primary reasons include concern over getting COVID-19 (37%), an inability to find a job at equal or better pay (37%), and an inability to find a job that matches their skills or work experience (30%).

Finally, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor continues to receive the highest positive ratings among federal, state, and local elected officials for her handling of the pandemic (38%), though approval of her performance has dropped since March 2021 (44%). President Joe Biden has experienced the sharpest performance decline from March 2021 (41%) to September 2021 (30%).

VIEW THE FULL REPORT
The COVID-19 Tampa Bay Sentiment Survey is produced by the Tampa Bay Partnership, in collaboration with Community Foundation Tampa Bay, United Way Suncoast and USF Muma College of Business, as part of the State of the Region initiative.

Downs & St. Germain Research of Tallahassee surveyed a demographically representative group of nearly 475 adult residents in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties on September 20-23, 2021. The survey has a 95 percent confidence interval with a 5 percent margin of error. 
This is the eighth such survey tracking the impact of COVID-19 on the region. Results from the first survey, conducted April 1-2, 2020, can be viewed here. Results from the second survey, conducted April 15-16, 2020, can be viewed here. Results from the third survey, conducted April 29-30, 2020, can be viewed here. Results from the fourth survey, conducted May 13-15, 2020, can be viewed here. Results from the fifth survey, conducted July 21-22, 2020, can be viewed here. Results from the sixth survey, conducted January 25-26, 2021, can be viewed here. Results from the seventh survey, conducted March 31-April 1, 2021, can be viewed here.
Regional Recovery Dashboard
View the latest data in the COVID-19 Regional Recovery Dashboard, where we track key economic measures and navigate the region's return to prosperity.
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Data reported in this email are believed to be the latest available at the time of production, accurate and from reliable sources. For more information, please contact Dave Sobush.

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