COVID’s Spread Can’t Be Blamed On Young People, Adults 55+ Show Greatest Increase In Foot Traffic

October 3, 2020

Since the onset of the pandemic, there’s been a general feeling that young people haven’t been taking mask and social distancing mandates seriously, leading to silly GIFs and mocking videos of people partying on beaches (c’mon, we’ve all seen them).

But is there validity in that general feeling? According to Zenreach, the walk-through marketing company, no. It’s not valid.

Zenreach took a closer look at the people who are frequenting traditionally high-traffic businesses like restaurants and bars. Interestingly, what they determined was that no specific age group or gender has been significantly more irresponsible than the other. While close in numbers, women, as well as 55-64 year-olds, actually showed the greatest increases in traffic at both restaurants and bars.

Here’s a more granular look at the data:

Restaurants:
- 21-24 year-olds: traffic was at 20.2% of normal on 4/1 and increased 10.2% by 8/28
- 25-34 year-olds: traffic was at 19.3% of normal on 4/1 and increased 12.4% by 8/28
- 35-44 year-olds: traffic was at 18.5% of normal on 4/1 and increased 14.9% by 8/28
- 45-54 year-olds: traffic was at 18.0% of normal on 4/1 and increased 18.1% by 8/28
- 55-64 year-olds: traffic was at 16.8% of normal on 4/1 and increased 18.8% by 8/28
- 65+: traffic was at 15.2% of normal on 4/1 and increased 18.4% by 8/28
- Females: traffic was at 15.9% of normal on 4/1 and increased 18.8% by 8/28
- Males: traffic was at 20.1% of normal on 4/1 and increased 12.9% by 8/28
Bars/Nightclubs:
- 21-24 year-olds: traffic was at 12.6% of normal on 4/1 and increased 17.5% by 8/28
- 25-34 year-olds: traffic was at 13.0% of normal on 4/1 and increased 15.8% by 8/28
- 35-44 year-olds: traffic was at 14.4% of normal on 4/1 and increased 18.7% by 8/28
- 45-54 year-olds: traffic was at 14.5% of normal on 4/1 and increased 19.0% by 8/28
- 55-64 year-olds: traffic was at 13.3% of normal on 4/1 and increased 20.4% by 8/28
- 65+: traffic was at 12.5% of normal on 4/1 and increased 19.9% by 8/28
- Females: traffic was at 12.6% of normal on 4/1 and increased 19.1% by 8/28
- Males: traffic was at 15.4% of normal on 4/1 and increased 15.3% by 8/28