The number of cases of Covid-19 has declined in most states since January highs while the spread of vaccinations has increased, but life in most of the US is not normal. Americans went out less in January, February and early March compared to the same period in 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic forced state locks. According to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, the number of times people spent ten minutes or longer away from home decreased by 6% in the US. In some states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and the Dakotas, people have faced almost the same rate as in early 2020.
Foot traffic data analyzed by The Wall Street Journal show that many people have returned to restaurants but are much less enthusiastic about movie theaters. Fewer people fill church pews in every state except Wyoming. Gyms in North Dakota are busier than before the pandemic, but fewer people are jumping on the bandwagon everywhere. Nationwide people spend less time in traffic and stay closer to home, compared to early 2020.
In general, Americans visit places of worship and non-essential businesses such as gyms and movie theaters, a median of 19% less frequently than before the pandemic. In Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota, these businesses made almost a complete comeback. The three states also count among the 11 states where people traveled more miles in cars than before Covid-19, while the national median dropped by 6%.
In the Dakotas, which had fewer restrictions than most states, pubs were crowded, and weddings and large gatherings took place. Public schools have been mostly open for personal learning since September. As of April 2, South Dakota and North Dakota have the two highest Covid-19 daily cases per 100,000 people.
In Arizona and North Carolina, foot traffic at non-essential businesses and places of worship was closer to the national median in January, February, and early March. Roy Cooper, governor of North Carolina, eased restrictions at the end of February, allowing shops, gyms and restaurants to start at 50%. On March 23, the state announced that it would end its closing time of 23:00 for the serving of alcohol and increase the occupancy limits for non-essential businesses. Pubs, gyms, restaurants and theaters in Arizona were allowed to operate at full capacity in March.