There is a meme that Americans are deeply divided about Coronavirus: What we should be doing in response, how well it has been managed, and how we should re-open.

This turns out to be false. By large percentages, we are surprisingly unified:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/americans-expectations-for-safe-public-gatherings-slip-to-july-at-the-earliest-post-u-md-poll-finds/2020/05/12/7adb92f6-9477-11ea-91d7-cf4423d47683_story.html

1/

78% vs 22% of Americans believe it is “necessary” for people to stay at home as much as possible.

Data is similar regardless of income:

<$50k = 82%-18%
$50k to $100k = 77%-23%
> $100k = 71%-29%

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/05/13/class-war-over-social-distancing-new-data-suggests-otherwise/

2/

Its not a political issues, its a health + safety issue:

The numbers are similar even among demographic groups that tilt heavily towards supporting President Trump:

Rural voters 77%-23%
Non-college-educated whites 75%-25%
All Americans: 78% vs 22%

3/

58% of Americans say current restrictions on businesses are “appropriate.” Only 21% say they are “too restrictive.

Results are same regardless of income:

< $50k = 56%-18%
$50k to $100k = 61%-22%
> $100,000 = 60%-25%

Rural voters 64%-20%
Non-college whites 54%-28%

4/

The claim that the so-called elites who can work at home are imposing this on the working class seems to overlook that many of those lower income jobs are higher risk, front line, interacting with the public at a higher employee risk of contracting Covid-19.

5/

When asked, "Is it necessary for people in their communities to wear a mask when coming close to others?"

All Americans: Yes 80% to No 20%

By income
< $50k = 83%-17%
$50k to $100k = 78%-22%
> $100,000 = 74%-25%

Rural 73%-27%
Non-college whites 76%-24%

6/

In fact, Americans are very unified about social distancing, wearing masks, staying at home, etc.

7/

Memorial Day + Fourth of July holidays coming up, most are willing to continue doing the things which medical experts say will that which will keep us safe.

How many think it is safe?

9% now
10% end of May
14% end of June

8/

Two thirds of Americans do not believe it will be safe until July or later.

9/

Americans are unusually united about this: Socially distance, wear masks, keep social gatherings very small, and listen to the experts.

We should continue to be paying attention what the experts day: Virologists, epidemiologists and other medical experts.

10/

The takeaway of all this data is to be very wary of those seeking to divide the population for their own (usually political) purposes.

Be smart, stay informed and stay safe!

/END