A Data-Driven Look at the Pandemic

Erica Parker, Managing Director at the Harris Poll, joined host Anil Chitkara to discuss public opinion on critical issues and trends related to COVID-19 and the pandemic's effects on all aspects of society and business. Indeed, the future is not clear, so getting real data to share in these uncertain times is a valued commodity.

“We conducted a quantitative survey online from September 18th to October 3rd,” Parker said. “We interviewed a total of approximately 1,500 US adults across three key segments who have a key stake in the security screening process. In those three groups, we had approximately 700 parents of school-aged children, approximately 500 workers who work in large factories, warehouses, distribution centers, and approximately 500 folks who attended an event at a ticketed venue in 2019. This (survey) represents roughly 60% of the US population.”

One issue that is top of mind for everyone in the survey was the pandemic. But one of the other things that most concerned people was the risk of a mass shooting event. “We’ve seen a lot of interactions of different crises over these six months,” Parker said. “That’s important to think about that holistic environment that we’re operating in right now.”

Harris Poll launched a weekly tracking study at the beginning of the pandemic to share data about COVID-19 as a public service. “We’ve been tracking public sentiment on a range of topics as they come up,” Parker said. “Anything from the economy to healthcare, to jobs, and education, as the crisis continued to unfold.”

During the pandemic, fear remains a constant in the public’s mind, and it ranged from fear of the virus to fear over losing one’s job, with both concerns hovering around 52%. But the fear of returning to public activity is higher at 70%. “In the work that we’ve been doing across a variety of different industries, we speak with many businesses trying to figure out how to tackle this fear and help to restore public confidence in these particular activities.”

About Evolv Technology

Founded in 2013, Evolv Technology is the leader in human security solving the security screening problems of today with the most innovative technology and thinking. Evolv makes it possible for venues of all kinds to keep visitors and employees safe from concealed weapons, pandemic health threats and intruders.

Digital transformation is unlocking efficiency and value everywhere as organizations reimagine archaic processes and technology, better equipping themselves with interoperable and flexible capabilities. Within the Digital Threshold vision, venues and facilities can intelligently use data to create a frictionless experience for guests and employees. The result is an entry process that enhances the overall experience instead of diminishing it as it so often does today. Making weapons screening faster and more precise is part of the Digital Threshold vision, but it’s just the beginning.