The number of Covid-19 cases has declined in most states since the peak of January, while the distribution of vaccination has increased, but life in most of the United States has not returned 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 blockades. The number of times people spend 10 minutes or more away from home has dropped 6% in the United States, according to data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. In some states, including Mississippi, Alabama and Dakotas, people ventured out almost at the same pace as in early 2020.
The pedestrian traffic data analyzed by The Wall Street Journal shows that many people have returned to restaurants, but are much less enthusiastic about the cinemas. Fewer people are filling congregational banks in every state except Wyoming. North Dakota gyms are busier than before the pandemic, but fewer people jump on the treadmills everywhere else. People across the country are spending less time in traffic and getting closer to home, compared to the beginning of 2020.
In general, Americans are visiting places of worship and non-essential businesses, such as gyms and cinemas, with an average frequency of 19% less than before the pandemic. In Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota, these establishments almost reappeared. The three states are also among the 11 states where people traveled more miles in cars than before Covid-19, while the national median fell 6%.
In Dakotas, which had fewer restrictions than most states, the bars were packed and weddings and large gatherings took place. Public schools have been open mainly for face-to-face learning since September. South Dakota and North Dakota had the two highest daily rates of Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people on April 2.
In Arizona and North Carolina, pedestrian traffic at non-essential businesses and places of worship in January, February and early March was closer to the national median. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper eased restrictions in late February, allowing retail stores, gyms and restaurants to open at 50% capacity. On March 23, the state announced that it would suspend the closing hours of alcoholic beverages at 11 pm and increase occupancy limits for non-essential businesses. Bars, gyms, restaurants and theaters in Arizona were allowed to operate at full capacity in March.