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Home » News » Five years after COVID-19: How the pandemic reshaped America

Five years after COVID-19: How the pandemic reshaped America

  • / Updated:
  • Staff Report 

Key Takeaways

  • 72% of Americans believe COVID-19 divided the country more than it united it.
  • Workplace transformations continue, with remote work persisting for 32% of eligible employees.
  • Vaccine hesitancy remains, with 60% of Americans opting out of the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Digital reliance surged, changing how people work, worship, and socialize.
  • Public trust in health officials and scientists has declined, especially among Republicans.

The Lasting Impact of COVID-19

Five years after the first lockdowns, COVID-19’s effects still shape American life. A Pew Research Center study reveals how the pandemic reshaped work, politics, public trust, and daily routines. While most Americans have moved past the immediate crisis, deep partisan divides remain, particularly over the government’s response and the necessity of vaccines and restrictions.

A Nation Divided by the Pandemic

The pandemic arrived at a time of growing political and social division in the U.S. Rather than uniting the country, 72% of Americans say COVID-19 widened the partisan gap. Major debates arose over:

  • The role of government in public health mandates.
  • Personal freedom vs. collective responsibility in mitigating health risks.
  • The balance between economic stability and safety measures.

This divide persists today, shaping attitudes toward vaccines, mask usage, and public health measures.

Workplaces and Remote Work: A New Normal?

The workplace saw dramatic changes, with millions transitioning to remote work.

  • Before the pandemic, 14% of remote-eligible employees worked from home full-time.
  • At the peak, 55% worked remotely.
  • Today, 32% still work from home, proving remote work’s lasting influence.

While some workers value flexibility, others report feeling less connected to colleagues.

Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Health Trust

COVID-19 vaccines were once widely sought after, but today, most Americans opt out:

  • 60% of U.S. adults say they won’t get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
  • 81% of Republicans say they won’t get vaccinated, while 62% of Democrats still plan to.

Public trust in health officials and scientists has also fallen, particularly among conservatives. Only 35% of Republicans now approve of public health officials’ response to COVID-19, compared to 79% of Democrats.

Digital Life: Technology’s Expanding Role

COVID-19 accelerated digital dependence:

  • 90% of Americans said the internet was essential during the pandemic.
  • 48% say their technology habits have permanently changed, especially younger adults.

Remote work, telehealth, and virtual religious services remain popular, though access gaps persist for lower-income individuals.

Are We Ready for the Next Health Emergency?

Despite frustrations with COVID-19 policies, 40% of Americans believe the U.S. will handle the next health crisis better. 69% trust their local communities to respond effectively.

Public opinion remains split on how restrictions should be handled in the future:

  • 38% think there should have been fewer COVID-19 restrictions.
  • 18% believe more restrictions were necessary.

Looking Ahead

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally changed America, from how we work to how we trust institutions. While the country is moving forward, deep political and social divisions remain over how the crisis was handled.

For full details, visit the Pew Research Center’s report on COVID-19’s five-year impact.

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