With the Omicron variant of COVID-19 causing cancellations of public events like the Grammys and others, it might seem to Americans that they’re in the worst version of Groundhog Day ever.
That said, a new survey shows that the pandemic has lasting effects on our psyche — with more than half saying social events and public gatherings still stress them out.
In fact, the non-scientific poll of 2,000 Americans that was commissioned by Nexium 24HR revealed that 59% say they’re still hesitant about social interactions — despite vaccines and the news that Omicron is reportedly less severe than previous variants.
That being said, Americans admitted to being pretty handy with an excuse not to hang out before the pandemic, with 41% blaming social anxiety, 34% blaming illness, and 33% blaming back or joint pain.
The poll revealed that 61% of respondents say they’re currently feeling their most stress yet, while 58% said their stress-management skills have “worsened” since the onset of the pandemic.
Survey questions, methodology and results have not been verified or endorsed by ABCNews or The Walt Disney Company.