The number of cases of Covid-19 has fallen in most states since January highs, while the distribution of vaccination has increased, but life in most of the U.S. is not returning to normal. Americans came out less in January, February and early March compared to the same period in 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic forced state closures. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of times people spent ten minutes or more away from home fell 6 percent across the United States. In some states, including Mississippi, Alabama and Dakota, people ventured at almost the same pace as they did in early 2020.
Walking traffic data analyzed by The Wall Street Journal shows that many people have returned to restaurants, but are much less enthusiastic about movie theaters. Fewer people fill congregation banks in all states except Wyoming. North Dakota gyms are busier than before the pandemic, but there are fewer people jumping on treadmills everywhere. People across the country spend less time in traffic and get closer to home, compared to early 2020.
Americans generally visit houses of worship and non-essential businesses, such as gyms and movie theaters, with an average of 19% less than before the success of the pandemic. In Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota, these establishments have almost completely returned. The three states are also among the eleven states where people traveled more miles by car than before the Covid-19, while the national average dropped 6%.
In the Dakotas, which have had fewer restrictions than most states, bars have piled up and weddings and large gatherings have been held. Public schools have been open mainly to face-to-face learning since September. South Dakota and North Dakota had the two highest daily Covid-19 case rates per 100,000 people as of April 2.
In Arizona and North Carolina, foot traffic from non-essential businesses and houses of worship in January, February, and early March was closer to the national average. North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper eased restrictions in late February and allowed retail stores, gyms and restaurants to open at 50% capacity. On March 23, the state announced that it would raise the 23.00 closing time for alcohol consumption and increase employment limits for non-essential businesses. Arizona’s bars, gyms, restaurants and theaters were able to run at full capacity in March.