Coronavirus survey: Nearly 3 in 4 Americans think President Trump should wear protective mask


  • New poll also shows that almost three in four adults either have a mask now or plan on securing one.
  • Three in ten respondents now believe they’ve been exposed to the virus, up from 21% two weeks ago.
  • One in five adults admit they are “very afraid” to visit a grocery store during the outbreak.

BALTIMORE — A recent study found that wearing a mask while out in public during the coronavirus outbreak can slow the spread of the disease, potentially bringing a sooner end to this global nightmare. Health officials and the federal government recommend Americans use this extra layer of prevention, but President Donald Trump himself has admitted that he doesn’t expect he’ll wear one. Some elected leaders have shown up at press conferences donning a face covering, and others are following the president’s lead. Now, a new StudyFinds survey reveals that the vast majority of Americans believe Trump and other government officials should be leading by example and put their money (and a mask) where their mouth is.

According to a survey of 389 adults in the U.S., an overwhelming 73% of respondents agree that elected leaders, including the president, should be wearing a mask during all public appearances. Though his decision could always change, particularly upon the news that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was moved to an intensive care unit after contracting the coronavirus, Trump seemed quite clear that he’ll be mask-free.

“Somehow sitting in the Oval Office behind that beautiful Resolute Desk, the great Resolute Desk, I think wearing a face mask as I greet presidents, prime ministers, dictators, kings, queens, I don’t know, it somehow, I don’t see it for myself,” Trump told reporters last week.

Coronavirus Survey: Face MaskMeanwhile, most Americans either have a mask already or plan on securing one. The survey found that 52% of respondents have a mask right now, and 20% plan on either making or buying one. Fourteen percent have tried to get one, but haven’t had any luck, and another 14% don’t have a mask — nor do they plan on getting one.

Health officials are also suggesting Americans wear a mask when visiting a grocery store or pharmacy. Such a warning may wind up prompting more people from avoiding supermarkets entirely. To that end, our survey found that one in five adults are “very afraid” of going to the grocery store, nearly half (49%) are “somewhat afraid,” and just under a third (31%) aren’t afraid at all.

Following up on a question from our previous surveys, it seems the number of Americans who believe they have coronavirus right now hasn’t changed much. Our last survey two weeks ago indicated 19% of adults are or think they are infected. That number rose just slightly to about 22% in our latest update. As for whether or not they’ve been exposed to someone with the virus, 29% believe they have — up from 21% two weeks ago.

We also asked respondents if they had any friends or family who have tested positive. About one in five (21%) say they do. Sadly, eight percent of adults confirm having a loved one who has passed away from the disease.

Coronavirus Survey: Back To NormalFinally, we once again wanted to know when Americans expect society to return to normal. Two weeks ago, 11% of respondents felt that life would resume within a month’s time, while 52% agreed it will take three to six months. Seventeen percent felt we’ll be mired in restrictions until the end of 2020, while 12% believe normalcy won’t come until after the year’s end. Seven percent felt life wouldn’t ever be the same again. Those numbers changed slightly in our latest update.

A still-optimistic 7% of respondents think we’ll be back to normal in a month. Half of those surveyed still agree on the three to six month range, and 22% now feel society will return to form by the end of 2020. Fourteen say we’ll have to wait until after the year ends, and once again 7% say never.

The StudyFinds coronavirus survey was conducted by SurveyMonkey.

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