As coronavirus cases grow in Houston, some people say they're less anxious, according to COVID-19 registry

COVID-19 continues to spread in Texas and especially the Houston area, but nearly one-fifth of residents surveyed by Rice University's COVID-19 Registry say they're less anxious now than at beginning of the pandemic.

Out of more than 3,100 people in Harris County who have signed up for the registry, 19% reported a decrease in anxiety. About two-thirds of participants—67%—reported the same level of anxiety as they did earlier days in the pandemic. Only 14% of the people surveyed reported they've grown more anxious.

More than 90% of respondents are washing their hands more often, avoiding large gatherings and staying six feet away from other people. The survey indicates 14% are using face masks more often and people in the survey reported using hand sanitizer more frequently. On the other hand, 13% of respondents said they are no longer limiting outings to essential activities.

The COVID-19 Registry is designed to track the health and economic impacts of the disease, with a focus on the Houston area, and provide health departments with real-time information on the virus's spread over time and across neighborhoods.

Because the pandemic has hit communities of color particularly hard, the registry's organizers are encouraging more Black and Hispanic residents to complete the survey.

More information:
To sign up for the registry, visit https://registry.rice.edu/COVID19

Provided by Rice University