This paper reports on four waves of contact surveys conducted between March 22 and September 26, 2020, to quantify the impact of physical distancing policies on interpersonal contact in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found an 82% reduction in average daily contacts during the first wave compared to pre-pandemic levels, with subsequent waves showing increases in contact rates. Certain demographic groups, particularly those under 45 and males, exhibited significantly higher contact rates. Tracking these changes provides rapid assessments of policy impact and helps identify at-risk populations.

Dennis M. Feehan, Ayesha S. Mahmud