April 30
The July 1st full reopening is exciting for many New Yorkers, not the least restaurant and other business owners who will no longer have capacity restrictions affecting their bottom-line. However, the rebound is probably not going to happen immediately, especially as tourism inches back and may not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2025, according to earlier estimates. How optimistic are you about a full economic recovery in New York by the end of the year?
Very optimistic 11.60%
Somewhat optimistic 49.50%
Somewhat pessimistic 27.40%
Very pessimistic 11.60%
April 29
Mayor de Blasio today made a significant move and set the date for New York’s full reopening. The mayor is aiming for July 1st, just a couple days ahead of President Biden’s goal of returning the nation to “normal” by the July 4th Independence Day holiday. What do you think about the mayor’s timeline?
It’s too early, New York won’t be ready by then 34.90%
It’s realistic, I think it will be safe to full reopen then 58.70%
It’s not soon enough, New York is ready to reopen fully now or before then 6.40%
April 8
The rise in vaccinations and warmer days may mean New York’s political campaigns may soon hop off the Zoom screens and hit the streets. As companies weigh the same dynamic changes (the Google I/O conference and Microsoft BUILD conference are both all-virtual this year), what do you think the role of virtual business events will be after the pandemic?
22.4%: Virtual events will be more common than in-person events
61.8%: Virtual events will be as common as in-person events
15.8%: Virtual events will be less common than in-person events
April 7
New York City is in a battle between vaccines and variants. On the one hand, new strains have caused the positivity rate to remain high, but on the other all adults are eligible for the vaccine and dose shipments continue to increase. How do you feel about the city’s chances of returning to “normal” life by President Biden’s July 4th timeline?
I am optimistic the city will feel “normal” by then 12.8%
I am somewhat optimistic, but feel it could take until end of summer 33.8%
I am not optimistic things will feel “normal” this summer, but will be year’s end 32.3%
Life in the city will not feel “normal” until sometime next year 17.3%
Life in the city will never feel “normal” again 3.8%
April 6
This is the first year that ranked choice voting (RCV) will be used in New York City elections, which allows voters to rank five candidates. Already, some local races have tested the new voting method, but the mayoral primary in June will be the first citywide employment of RCV. Have you decided on your mayoral rankings for the ballot box?
I have selected and ordered five candidates 7.8%
I have ranked some but not all five choices 18.6%
I have determined only my top choice 13.7%
I am undecided on any candidate 59.8%
April 5
While curfew restrictions were recently lifted for many businesses, the 11pm curfew remains in effect for restaurants and bars to minimize maskless activities. Meanwhile, NYC establishments open at 50 percent capacity, the maximum allowed for indoor dining, are finding diners don’t want to leave. Have you patronized a restaurant in the last month? (This is a recurring question, responses help Tech:NYC track trends over time.)Somewhat optimistic 46.5%
Yes, I've dined outdoors 31.2%
Yes, both 12.1%
Yes, but only takeout/delivery 24.1%
No 12.1%
Yes, I've dined indoors 20.6%
April 1
A new Regional Plan Association study shows that optimism is blooming as we enter the spring season, with 57 percent of New Yorkers saying they are optimistic about the city’s future. How optimistic are you that the NYC economy will be able to fully reopen by the end of the year?Very optimistic 34.1%
Somewhat optimistic 46.5%
Neither optimistic nor pessimistic 11.6%
Somewhat pessimistic 6.2%
Very pessimistic 1.6%
MARCH 31
Today, President Biden unveiled a $2 trillion infrastructure plan, which he hopes to pass this summer. If the recent COVID stimulus package is any indicator, New York is poised to get a fair share of it. Of the following infrastructure items, which do you think should be top priority in New York?
Roads, tunnels, and bridges 11.8%
Railroads, airports, seaports, and mass transit 35.3%
High-speed internet access 4.2%
Renewable energy sources and environmental protection 19.3%
Schools, affordable housing, and community services 29.4%
MARCH 30
With today’s expanded eligibility, there are very few people left who can’t sign up for a vaccine in New York. At the same time, appointment slots are too few to handle the increased demand, so there will still be days, if not weeks of waiting for many. Were you able to schedule a vaccine appointment today?
Yes, I scheduled one today 21.10%
No, but I became eligible today 21.10%
I am already vaccinated / scheduled to get a vaccine before today 57.10%
I do not plan on scheduling a vaccine appointment 0.80%
MARCH 29
According to a recent analysis by Crain’s New York, many top-tier NYC-based tech companies have hired in droves during the pandemic. (For example, Peloton increased its workforce by 110 percent in 2020.) Has your company onboarded new team members this month? (This is a recurring question, responses help Tech:NYC track trends over time.)
Yes, new employees started this month 64.8%
Not yet, but there are open roles looking to be filled 14.8%
No 20.5%
MARCH 26
Roughly 25 percent of the US total population has received one or both doses of the vaccine, a number that is expected to accelerate across the country in the next two months — right in time for Memorial Day, the date that traditionally kicks off the summer vacation season. Confidence in that timeline, as well as flexible cancellation policies and other perks, has given the travel industry a much-needed, sudden surge. When do you expect to travel for your next vacation?
Summer 54.4%
Fall/winter 15.2%
2022 or later 6.4%
I've already resumed traveling 24%
MARCH 25
Roughly 25 percent of the US total population has received one or both doses of the vaccine, a number that is expected to accelerate across the country in the next two months — right in time for Memorial Day, the date that traditionally kicks off the summer vacation season. Confidence in that timeline, as well as flexible cancellation policies and other perks, has given the travel industry a much-needed, sudden surge. When do you expect to travel for your next vacation?
Summer 54.4%
Fall/winter 15.2%
2022 or later 6.4%
I've already resumed traveling 24%
MARCH 24
A new study found that, in reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, US national media (e.g., CNN, Fox News, New York Times) produces far more negative coverage than local and regional sources or international sources, regardless of political lean. Experts are conflicted on whether that means national outlets are focused more on the hard facts or if they are not shining enough light on positive stories of resilience and scientific breakthrough. Where do you get the majority of your COVID-related news?
National news sources 44.4%
Local and regional news sources 15.6%
Scientific news sites and journals 3.3%
Social media 6.7%
This newsletter! 30%
MARCH 23
New York still has one of the highest positivity rates in the country. Experts are struggling to figure out why, particularly because there is a decline in testing and data processing in the state. City officials are reiterating that, even with the vaccines, robust testing is key to tracking the virus, and increased access to at-home testing (now via DoorDash deliveries) and rapid testing sites across the city may help. Have you received a COVID-19 test in the past month?
Yes, I’ve had a regular test 24.2%
Yes, I’ve had an on-site rapid test 11.4%
Yes, I’ve had an at-home rapid test 0%
I have not been tested in the past month 64.4%
MARCH 22
Subway ridership has been slowly increasing as reopening and vaccination efforts progress — today it stands at about one-third of usual levels, up from an all-time low of seven percent last spring. The return to the subways, however, hasn’t been even across the city: a new dashboard shows the largest increases are in outer borough neighborhoods. How often are you now taking the subway? (This is a recurring question, responses help Tech:NYC track trends over time.)
Daily 5.4%
One or more times weekly 18%
One or more times monthly 10.2%
Sporadically 19.8%
I haven't returned to the subway 46.7%
MARCH 19
New York and New Jersey are seeing the highest rate of daily reported cases in the country, even as both states proceed with reopening measures. Have you noticed any signs of an uptick in your immediate community?
Yes, I have noticed the uptick in my community 16.7%
No, but I am aware there is an uptick more generally 51.2%
No, and I was not aware of any uptick 32.1%
MARCH 18
Virtual events have been the primary way for people to gather professionally through the pandemic, and they’re likely here to stay beyond the pandemic. But many employees are eager to return to the in-person interactions that go along with live events. When it’s safe to resume industry events and other professional gatherings, what is your interest in doing so?
I think I will go to more in-person professional events thanI did pre-pandemic 6.4%
I think I will go to the same amount of in-person professional events as I did pre-pandemic 30.3%
I think I will go to less in-person professional events than I did pre-pandemic 57.8%
I'm not sure / I don't attend professional events 5.5%
MARCH 17
The ongoing progress of the vaccine rollout is boosting confidence among employers that they’ll be able to bring workers back as early as this summer, and with that, many are hoping to also reinstate their summer internship programs. What are your company’s plans for its summer internship program?
We’re reinstating our pre-pandemic program with in-person interns 9.8%
We’re proceeding with our program, but conducting it virtually 35.3%
We’re planning for a hybrid program with virtual and in-person components 15.7%
We’re canceling this summer’s program 9.8%
We haven’t decided the status of this summer’s program 29.4%
MARCH 16
Alaska, Mississippi, and Oklahoma have announced that any resident of the state (with slightly varying age parameters) can now get the vaccine. Pres. Biden plans to encourage states to open eligibility to all adults 18+ starting May 1. Starting tomorrow, 80 percent of adults in New York will be eligible for the vaccine. Do you think New York should open eligibility to 100 percent of adults before May 1?
Yes, New York should allow all adults to get the vaccine now 65.9%
No, but New York should accelerate the current phase schedule 23.3%
No, New York should keep the current phase schedule 10.9%
MARCH 15
The most recent survey of NYC-based employers (conducted across the last three weeks) indicates that 45 percent expect to have employees back in the office by September, though another 14 percent are still not sure. Several other CEOs are split, as well. When your office reopens, how do you expect to structure your work week?
I’ll spend most weekdays in the office 14.3%
I’ll spend most weekdays WFH 27.8%
I’ll split my time between the office and home equally 38.3%
I’ll be in the office full-time 4.5%
I’ll be WFH full-time 8.3%
I’m not sure 6.8%
MARCH 12
In his first primetime address last night, Pres. Biden said he would advise all states and territories to make the vaccine available to all adults on May 1st, a deadline he says could return life to fairly “normal” by July 4th. How do you think you’ll be celebrating Independence Day this year?
I think I will celebrate the holiday like normal 31.8%
I think I will celebrate the holiday, but it will look different 60.7%
I don't think I will celebrate the holiday this year 7.5%
MARCH 11
Today marks Pres. Biden’s 50th day in office — depending on who you ask. (Some say it’s day 51, but his staff asserts that inauguration day did not count, making today, when he signs the American Rescue Plan into law and gives his first primetime address, the nice even number 50.) In that time, 34 executive orders have been signed and $1.9 trillion has been injected into the economy. With an approval rating of more than 53 percent, Pres. Biden is more popular than Pres. Trump was on any day of his four year presidency. How do you feel about our current president?
Strongly approve 71.4%
Somewhat approve 20.7%
Neither approve nor disapprove 2.1%
Somewhat disapprove 2.1%
Strongly disapprove 3.6%
MARCH 10
The House today passed the American Rescue Plan to unlock direct payments, more unemployment and small business assistance, child care support, and much more. However, some items, notably increasing the national minimum wage to $15 an hour, were cut out. New York is expected to receive about $100 billion. Does the stimulus bill shift your confidence in New York’s ability to recover economically?
Took a call/meeting outdoors 29.3%
Cancelled a call/meeting 8.1%
Dined/plan to dine outside 15.2%
All of the above 10.1%
I didn't get outside today 37.4%
MARCH 9
As the economic and COVID forecast continues to improve, the weather seems to be following suit. Today started what we hope will be a long streak of beautiful days to get outside and enjoy what the city has to offer, which even during a pandemic is a ton. What did you do to take advantage of the weather today?
Took a call/meeting outdoors 29.3%
Cancelled a call/meeting 8.1%
Dined/plan to dine outside 15.2%
All of the above 10.1%
I didn't get outside today 37.4%
MARCH 8
While restaurants statewide outside the city will soon be able to increase indoor dining to 75 percent capacity, NYC remains at 35 percent. Many say indoor capacity needs to be upped further but that probably won’t change who’s willing to go — mostly, it’s millennials — as the CDC says they’re still contributing to much of the virus spread. Have you patronized a restaurant in the last month?
Yes, I've dined indoors 19.9%
Yes, I've dined outdoors 28.1%
Yes, both 6.4%
Yes, but only takeout/delivery 36.3%
No 9.4%
MARCH 5
Despite warnings from the CDC and public health officials, states like Texas and Mississippi this week rescinded their mask mandates and will allow business to reopen at full capacity, claiming those mandates are no longer needed in the wake of ongoing vaccinations. Pres. Biden called it “Neanderthal thinking,” and Dr. Fauci said it was an “inexplicable” move as case numbers have plateaued at still-high levels. Would you visit Texas or other states that have similarly relaxed COVID-related restrictions?Yes, in the city 24.7%
Yes 5.9%
Maybe/it depends 9.3%
Absolutely not 84.7%
MARCH 4
A new real estate report found that homebuying in Manhattan and Brooklyn is up significantly year-over-year. In February, co-op and condo purchases in Manhattan were up 87.2 percent and 55.1 percent respectively, and in Brooklyn it was 131.5 percent and 141.3 percent. Similar numbers are also being recorded in the surrounding metro area. Have you or someone you know purchased real estate in the tri-state area in the past year?
Yes, in the city 24.7%
Yes, in the tri-state area 21.2%
Yes, but outside the tri-state area 12.9%
No 41.2%
MARCH 3
The FDA authorization of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will add to Pfizer and Moderna stocks to significantly increase the incoming supply, and Pres. Biden announced it means there will be enough doses for every American adult by the end of May, two months earlier than previously projected. Does that updated timeline change when you expect to be able to get your first dose?
I’ll be able to receive a vaccine sooner than I expected 47.4%
I’ll be able to receive a vaccine about the same time I expected 25%
I’ll be able to receive vaccine later than I expected 0.9%
I’ve already received my first dose of a vaccine 26.7%
MARCH 2
The days of economic uncertainty may soon be over. The New York state legislature today announced a revenue forecast $2.45 billion higher than the governor’s proposed budget, and the pending $1.9 trillion federal stimulus package is expected to plug any holes that remain in state and local funding. However, there’s still a lot of recovery ahead, primarily lowering the unemployment rate and keeping small and medium businesses afloat through reopening. How long do you think it will take for NYC’s economy to fully recover?
Within six months 0.9%
Six months to a year 5.3%
One year to two years 44.2%
Two years to five years 45.1%
Five years or more 4.4%
MARCH 1
This warmer weather has us thinking about something totally lost during the pandemic: a real vacation. Those in the travel and hospitality industry say there’s pent up demand, but whenever it gets realized depends entirely on the pace of vaccines for the general population. When do you expect to be able to travel again?
I think it will delay the city’s reopening plans 39.8%
I think it will speed up the city’s reopening plans 1%
I don’t think it will impact the city’s reopening plans 59.2%
FEBRUARY 25
This warmer weather has us thinking about something totally lost during the pandemic: a real vacation. Many in the 65+ crowd are getting their shots and booking hotels basically the next day. Those in the travel and hospitality industry say there’s pent up demand, but whenever it gets realized depends entirely on the pace of vaccines for the general population (hence why Airbnb introduced “Flexible Search” for bookings). When do you expect to be able to travel again?
Spring 11.9%
Summer 33.9%
Fall/winter 28.8%
In 2022 13.6%
I'm already traveling again 11.9%
FEBRUARY 24
The network of websites to schedule a vaccine appointment in New York have proven challenging to navigate. The rush of demand when eligibility expands and other accessibility issues means many have needed help with the tools. Naturally, they turn to family and friends. Have you helped someone register to get a vaccine?
No 46%
Yes, and it was relatively easy 14%
Yes, but it was difficult 30%
I'm still trying to help book an appointment 10%
FEBRUARY 23
For better or for worse, 2021 mayoral candidates are getting a lot of face Zoom time. The campaign-from-home environment means doing a lot of virtual forums, so many that the poor reporters tagging along to each one have cried “forum insanity.” But if you’re not a candidate or political reporter, this is truly unprecedented access to the people in the race, their platforms, and their personal lives. Have you attended a virtual mayoral forum this year?
Yes, I've attended one 13.1%
Yes, I've attended more than one 3.7%
No, I have not attended one 83.2%
FEBRUARY 22
Beginning today, subway service is expanding to 22 hours a day, with a closure remaining from 2am - 4am for cleaning train cars and stations. While many are still leery of riding the subway, ridership is slowly ticking back up as several studies have shown spread of the virus isn’t linked to mass transit. How often are you taking the subway now?
Daily 3.2%
One or more times weekly 14.8%
One or more times monthly 17.4%
I have not returned to the subway 64.5%
FEBRUARY 19
NYC began allowing indoor dining again exactly one week ago, and today, officials announced it could expand slightly from a 25 percent to 35 percent capacity limit next week. But many patrons are still leery of being inside, and restaurant owners are warning it’s no panacea for a struggling industry. What do you think would benefit restaurants most immediately?
Further increasing capacity restrictions on indoor dining 4.2%
Extending curfews beyond 11pm 3.2%
Extending commercial rent relief measures 42.1%
Securing more government aid 50.5%
FEBRUARY 18
Pet adoptions during the pandemic continue to surge as people (including three Tech:NYC team members!) want a furry friend (or a fish, rabbit, snail…) to share the many hours stuck at home. Some shelters have even reported running out of dogs to be adopted. Have you adopted a pet during the pandemic?
Yes, I got another type of pet 0.8%
Almost, I got a plant 16.9%
No, no new pets for me 64.4%
Yes, I got a dog 13.6%
Yes, I got a cat 4.2%
FEBRUARY 17
“Low risk” cultural institutions like museums have now been reopened in NYC for about six months, albeit at low capacity limits and with other ongoing safety protocols in place. While these spaces have been a welcome option for people otherwise cooped up at home, many of them are still raising concerns that low visitor levels continue to mean an uncertain outlook. Have you visited any of these reopened spaces?
Yes, I’ve visited an outdoor institution (botanical garden, park, zoo, etc.) 21%
Yes, I’ve visited an indoor institution (library, museum, etc.) 8.4%
Yes, I’ve visited both indoor and outdoor institutions 23.5%
No, I haven’t visited any of these institutions 47.1%
FEBRUARY 16
Well the results are in for the top pizza joints in New York City (according to Google): Joe’s Pizza and Scarr’s Pizza in Manhattan. Debate settled? We’re not so sure. But something that is true, this has been a great year for pizza with sales up four percent nationally. What’s your pandemic pizza pattern been like?
I've ordered more pizza 35.1%
I've ordered the same amount of pizza 35.1%
I've ordered less pizza 18%
I don't eat pizza 11.7%
FEBRUARY 12
Indoor dining reopens across New York City today at limited capacity. The reopening was moved up so that restaurants could benefit from Valentine’s Day outings. Do you have plans to dine this weekend?
Yes, likely at a restaurant indoors 7.4%
Yes, likely at a restaurant outdoors 11.6%
Yes, by takeout/delivery 28.1%
No, I’ll be cooking at home 52.9%
FEBRUARY 11
The second impeachment trial of former Pres. Trump is underway in the Senate this week. Today, impeachment managers from the House concluded their arguments in favor of conviction. Have you been tuning in to the trial?
Yes, I’ve tuned in for nearly all of it 3.6%
Yes, I’ve tuned in for some of it 19.8%
I’ve only followed coverage and reporting 55.9%
No, I haven’t tuned in or paid any attention to it 20.7%
FEBRUARY 10
Local NYC startup funding broke records in 2020, and that’s expected to continue this year too. Even with the rise of remote work, tech hiring is also expected to continue expanding in NYC and other large cities. Has your company onboarded new team members in the first part of the year?
Yes, new employees have started since the beginning of the year 72%
Not yet, but new employees are slated to begin this quarter 14.7%
No 13.3%
FEBRUARY 9
While the Senate’s impeachment trial may be the most important legal development this week, this lawyer turned Zoom-kitten is certainly the most relatable. With all of our work and personal lives existing almost entirely virtually for the better part of a year, these sort of video call blunders are increasingly commonplace. Have you experienced a Zoom mishap?
Yes, I’ve had an embarrassing Zoom moment (or many) 23%
No, my Zoom etiquette is impeccable 37.9%
I am not a cat 39.1%
FEBRUARY 8
New York recently expanded vaccine eligibility to all individuals 65 and older, as well as various priority groups, including teachers, transit workers, and more. As a result, more than two million doses have now been administered in New York. And beginning next week, those with certain underlying conditions will be able get the shot as well. We asked this question last month and will continue to do so over the next couple months to track the vaccination progress in our own informal way: Do you know someone who’s been administered or is scheduled to soon be administered the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, someone in New York 27.9%
Yes, someone outside of New York 17%
Yes, both in New York and outside of New York 50.3%
No 4.8%
FEBRUARY 5
The Buccaneers and the Chiefs face off in the Super Bowl this weekend, and whether you watch for the ads, the halftime show, or the actual game, there’s something for everyone. This year is different, of course, and there are fears the Super Bowl (and your own watch party) will become a super spreader event. In our region, bars and restaurants petitioned for an exception to the service curfew for Super Bowl Sunday. What are your plans for Super Bowl Sunday?
I’m going to a bar/restaurant to watch 0.0%
I’m watching the game at home 39.5%
I'm watching the game with a small pod 5.3%
I’m watching just for the commercials and halftime show 12.3%
Super what? 43.0%
FEBRUARY 4
A new poll shows that Americans are increasingly worried about transmission of the variant strains of the coronavirus — some of which could be slightly more resistant to current vaccines — and could mean further delays on when we can return to “normal” daily life. Others are hopeful an accelerated vaccination plan will get us back to pre-pandemic life. When do you think we’ll get to a pre-COVID normal?
By summer 2021 11.9%
By the end of 2021 or later 52.2%
In 2022 16.4%
I’m already back in the office 6.0%
I plan to work from home permanently 13.4%
February 3
A new poll shows that Americans are increasingly worried about transmission of the variant strains of the coronavirus — some of which could be slightly more resistant to current vaccines — and could mean further delays on when we can return to “normal” daily life. Others are hopeful an accelerated vaccination plan will get us back to pre-pandemic life. When do you think we’ll get to a pre-COVID normal?
In the next six months 7.1%
In the next year 40.3%
One year or more 39.0%
Two years or more 11.0%
Never 2.6%
February 2
Today is Groundhog Day and more than any other year, we needed that little critter to see its shadow. And for NYC, we had luck: Staten Island Chuck predicts an early spring. However, his Philadelphia rival Punxsutawney Phil drew a different expert conclusion and declared we’re in store for six more weeks of winter. With predictions that the more transmissible UK strain will take hold come late March, how do you feel about the upcoming spring?
I’m anxious about it because I think cases will be higher then 21.4%
I look forward to it because I think we’ll be more in control then 23.3%
I’m not sure about cases, I just want it to be warmer 55.3%
February 1
Once again New York City is being hit by a monumental snowstorm and once again the city decided to move all kids to remote learning for the day. Last time this happened, Mayor de Blasio said snow days are a “thing of the past.” We polled this before and want to see if feelings have changed, if at all: should students have gotten a snow day today or is remote learning the right approach?
Snow day 76.3%
Remote learning 23.7%
January 28
COVID cases are trending down in New York and nationwide, and yesterday Gov. Cuomo lifted many restrictions on activity across the state. However, new mutant strains threaten to increase transmission and future lockdowns as we simultaneously struggle with vaccine supply. Given these developments over the last month, how has your pandemic risk assessment changed?
I have a higher risk tolerance than before 12.1%
I have the same risk tolerance as I did before 70.1%
I have lower risk tolerance than before 17.8%
January 27
Most of the population isn’t yet eligible for the vaccine, so Pres. Biden says until then “masks — not vaccines — are the best defense against COVID-19.” Public health officials, including Dr. Fauci, are going further, urging people to “double mask” for added protection (FYI, some combinations are better than others). Are you double masking?
Yes, I am 22%
No, I’m not, but I plan to start 36.7%
I know I should, but I’m not 13.3%
No, I don’t plan on double masking for now 21.3%
I can’t imagine ever double masking 6.7%
January 26
Recent findings show that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are less effective against the strain originating in South Africa. As a precaution, Moderna is developing a booster shot to add protection from that variant, and other vaccine makers are rushing to manufacture adjusted doses in the next six weeks. Do you think this and other mutant strains will lengthen the pandemic and related restrictions?
Yes, significantly 29.0%
Yes, but not by much 68.2%
No, not at all 2.8%
January 25
Many companies have not yet decided whether workers will have to get the vaccine in order to return to the office. But while that debate lingers, some companies and executives are launching internal vaccine-promotion campaigns or otherwise preparing employees to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible. Has your company tried to encourage or educate employees on vaccines?
Yes, just recently 5.8%
Yes, they have for a while 7.8%
No, not yet 86.4%
January 22
Positivity rates have remained consistently high across all five boroughs, so indoor dining is unlikely to return anytime soon. Walking down pretty much any city street, however, you will see the adaptability and entrepreneurship of restaurateurs who have propped up heated yurts, canopied seating, and bubbles to dine in during the cold months. Diners are adapting too: snowsuits and sleeping bag coats are selling out. How often are you outdoor dining this winter?
More than once a week 5.7%
Once a week 9.8%
Two to three times a month 12.2%
Once a month 12.2%
I stick to takeout/delivery 60.2%
January 21
Today several devoted New Yorkers launched NY Forever, an opportunity for all New Yorkers to affirm their commitment to a stronger, more equitable New York. How long are committed to New York for?
Forever 18.6%
Forever and always 38.4%
Evermore 8.1%
Ever after 3.5%
Ever so slightly avoiding answering this question 31.4%
January 20
During his campaign and since the election, President Biden made a lot of promises to action on COVID, racial justice, climate change, diplomacy, and the economy through his first day, his first 10 days, and his first 100 days. With the first day almost in the books and over a dozen newly signed executive orders to go along with it, how optimistic are you that the Biden Administration will fulfill those promises?
Very optimistic 38.0%
Somewhat optimistic 54.2%
Not optimistic 5.6%
Very doubtful 2.1%
January 19
Today marks the last day of the Trump presidency. As pardons fly out of the Oval Office, the National Guard continues to fly into DC (over 15,000) in preparation for the most secure inauguration event in the history of the country — a response to the deadly attack on the Capitol earlier this month. Do you plan to watch the swearing in of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris tomorrow?
Yes, I am attending a virtual watch event10.2%
Yes, I will tune in on TV/online72.9%
No, I do not plan on tuning in16.9%
January 15
Following a recent court decision, Gov. Cuomo announced that indoor dining may resume at 50 percent capacity in hotspot regions across the state where it has been restricted, except for NYC. While Gov. Cuomo argues that NYC has unique density and other risk factors that should keep indoor dining closed, critics argue it has a lower average positivity rate than other regions now allowing restaurants to reopen. What do you think the policy for the city should be?
Indoor dining in NYC should remain closed in NYC 57.8%
Indoor dining in NYC should have the same policy as other regions 34.1%
Indoor dining in NYC should be allowed to more fully reopen 8.1%
January 14
In the spring, at least 42 percent of you reported turning in to Gov. Cuomo’s COVID-19 briefings on a regular basis. Today, more than eight months later, he delivered the final part of his four-part State of the State address. This is his 11th time doing the address, and the first time it has been stretched over multiple days. Have you tuned in?Yes, but just one day 6.2%
Yes, more than one day 4.4%
No 89.4%
January 13
After VP Pence declined to use the 25th Amendment to remove Pres. Trump from office, the House began the voting process on articles of impeachment against the president. For hours on end today, Democrat and Republican representatives traded off arguments for and against impeachment, primarily along predictable party lines, though with some notable exceptions. Did you tune in to watch or listen to the debates today
Yes, the whole thing 4.8%
Yes, in parts 42.5%
No, not at all 52.7%
January 12
Following the violent insurrection at the Capitol last week, a growing number of elected officials and business leaders alike have called for Pres. Trump’s removal from office. The possibility of impeachment is reportedly being welcomed by even Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and a vote to officially charge the president is expected tomorrow. Do you support the impeachment of Pres. Trump?
Yes 95.8%
No 4.2%
January 11
New York today expanded vaccine eligibility to individuals 75+ and essential workers. While it’s still not available to the general population, progress is being made and hundreds of thousands have received their shots. Other states too, with varying degrees of success, are putting their doses to use. We’ll be asking this question again over the next couple months to track the vaccination progress in our own informal way: Do you know someone who’s been administered or is scheduled to soon be administered the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, someone in New York 29.2%
Yes, someone outside of New York 26.0%
Yes, both in New York and outside of New York 33.1%
No 11.7%
January 5
Vaccine rollout has been difficult for a number of reasons: supply chain limitations, training and hiring, bureaucracy, funding, and more. To help it along, both Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio are announcing updated plans to expedite administration of the vaccine. Given distribution challenges so far, when do you think the vaccine will be available to you?
In the first quarter of 2021 3.2%
In the spring 34.8%
In the summer or later 61.9%
January 4
Even with a far smaller, socially distanced crowd, the Times Square New Year’s Eve ball drop retained its excitement and glamour (h/t J-Lo). Millions of people tuned in to mark the end of a draining year from the safety of their couch. Did you make it to midnight?
Yes, I had to see 2021 off and welcome 2021 ASAP 65.3%
No, I rang in the new year with a good night's sleep 34.7%
DECEMBER 22
As we head into the holiday break, this is the last poll we’ll send out in 2020. And to 2020, we say good riddance. Thanks in large part to the essential workers who kept the grocery shelves stocked and the healthcare workers who fought on the front lines all year, we’re exiting this year with a view of the light at the end of the tunnel. What are you most looking forward to when we get to the other side in 2021?
Getting the vaccine 4.0%
Zooming less 1.3%
Sitting in a bar and/or dining in a restaurant 15.9%
Seeing a movie or a show in a theater 3.3%
The Biden administration 11.9%
All of the above 63.6%
DECEMBER 16
With the impending snow storm, Mayor de Blasio said, because of remote learning, snow days are a “thing of the past” and tomorrow would go on as a day of virtual instruction for all students. NYC kids, though, have other plans. And school district leaders elsewhere agree with them, deciding to close for the day and take it as a break from the mental and emotional toll the pandemic has wrought. What do you think schools should do tomorrow?
I think tomorrow should be a classic, no-school snow day 81.1%
I think tomorrow should proceed as a remote learning day 18.9%
DECEMBER 15
Last winter season, New York recorded a measly 4.8 inches of snow. That bar is about to be shattered by tomorrow’s snowstorm, which is expected to bring as much as a foot of snow to the New York metro area. Restaurants have been ordered to halt outdoor dining ahead of snow fall, and schools are preparing for a fully remote school day (Mayor de Blasio says snow days may be a “thing of the past”). What are your plans for what might be the biggest winter storm in a decade?
Snowmen, igloos, and snow angels 3.2%
Sledding in a park or down an Open Street 4.8%
Staying inside with a hot chocolate (and maybe something stronger) 58.7%
All of the above 33.3%
DECEMBER 14
Indoor dining in NYC was put back on pause today, and with the winter months ahead of us, many restaurant owners say outdoor dining and takeout won’t be enough to keep their doors open — the iconic 21 Club said it would close, adding to the roughly 6,000 establishments that have been forced to make the same announcement. Have any of your favorite local places been forced to close due to the effects of the pandemic?
Yes 71.9%
No 1.5%
Not yet, but I’m worried they will in the coming months 26.7%
