Poll: More mask use, worry about social distancing in U.S.

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the U.S. is rising sharply, 54% of Americans say they are worried about the lack of social distancing in their local area. Gallup’s June 22-28 polling marks the first time that this measure has reached the majority level, and it coincides with a record-high 86% of U.S. adults saying they have worn a mask in public in the past week…

The CDC was slower to advise the public to cover their faces in public than they were to call for social distancing, but Americans quickly adopted the use of face masks, and usage has risen since early April when it was first recommended. The percentage of U.S. adults who say they have worn a mask in public in the past seven days rose from 51% in early April to the current 86% high point. Currently, 11% say they have not considered wearing a mask, and 3% say they are considering it.

Wearing a face covering when out in public has been a politically-charged issue since President Donald Trump said in early April that he would not wear a mask despite the guidance from the CDC. The current 32-percentage point gap in Democrats’ and Republicans’ reported mask usage is the widest it has been. Essentially all Democrats (98%), 66% of Republicans and 85% of independents say they have worn a mask in public in the past week.