As States Ditch <br />COVID-19 Restrictions, , Are Americans Ready?.<br />NBC News reports as states decide to put an end to COVID-19 safety protocols such as masking and social distancing.<br />many Americans are unsure and fearful of what such measures could spell <br />for the not-so-distant future.<br />many Americans are unsure and fearful of what such measures could spell <br />for the not-so-distant future.<br />A survey of over 1,500 American adults, <br />conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation <br />from Feb. 9 through Feb. 21, .<br />shows a nation eager for normalcy <br />and anxious about the future.<br />The survey found 61% of participants <br />believed ending pandemic safety <br />restrictions would put the elderly and immunocompromised at heightened risk.<br />Nearly half of those studied believe <br />death will increase as restrictions end.<br />Still, 65% expressed worry that the continued reliance on masking and social distancing could negatively affect the mental health of young citizens of the United States.<br />63% said they were concerned <br />about the effects continued <br />mitigation measures would have <br />on the country's businesses.<br />Much of the public is sensibly both anxious and eager about returning to normal. , Statement from Drew Altman, <br />CEO Kaiser Family Foundation, via CNN.<br />The survey found overall anxiety stemming from pandemic safety measures varies greatly along party lines.<br />82% of Democrats surveyed worried that easing measures too soon would equate to overwhelmed hospitals and increased death.<br />While almost 75% of Republicans agreed that continued restrictions would be detrimental to the lives of young Americans
