Pandemic Stress Indicators - Expert Panel 9

Over recent months, IGPA has developed multiple Pandemic Stress Indicators, designed to evaluate the social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Illinois residents. The first stress indicator is a frequent poll of three sets of experts about pandemic policies. Experts on economics, public health, and/or vulnerable populations from across Illinois have generously agreed to provide regular opinions on various pandemic policies. In answering the surveys, all panelists provide only their personal views and do not offer official positions on behalf of their respective institutions.

The ninth wave of the Pandemic Stress Indicator Expert panel survey was launched on October 25, and we had 18 total responses. One item of the ninth survey related to what some regard as a fundamental tension in policymaking just now, protecting public health and protecting the economy. We noted some cross-national data showing that the general publics in several democracies continue to favor the former, but less dramatically than was the case months back. Table 1 summarizes some recent findings about mass opinion in this regard.[i]