This data is from Heart + Mind Strategies’ latest Coronavirus Tracking Poll, which was conducted on September 2-3, 2020. This was an online quantitative survey. In total, a sample of n=1,008 interviews were conducted.
Strict lockdowns may have receded since the start of the pandemic, but every community is still grappling with questions about when, how, and under what precautions certain entities will reopen. The latest poll results show Americans slightly favor a balanced approach that takes into account health and economic concerns over an approach that has us focusing all energy and resources on public health.
This approach skews heavily across party lines.
| Total | Republicans | Democrats | Independents | |
| Balanced Approach | 45% | 59% | 35% | 40% |
| Focused on Public Health | 41% | 30% | 55% | 38% |
As we continue to see states move through phased reopening, Americans are divided about the likelihood of spikes in cases that lead to a second shelter-in-place or stay-at-home order.
| Extremely/Very Likely | Somewhat Likely | Just a Little/Not at All Likely | |
| Total (Change from Aug. 19-20) | 34% (-2) | 30% (-2) | 36% (+4) |
| Demographics that skew heavily | West North Central (45%) West South Central (39%) Urban (44%) Male, 35-54 (52%) Concerned about expanded power (56%) | New England (35%) | New England (46%) Mountain (52%) Male, 55+ (45%) Female, 55+ (42%) |
Given the disruption in day-to-day activities, Americans are embracing technology with new, not previously used, digital tools (e.g. apps, programs, platforms) since mid-March 2020.
| Engaged with new tools | Total |
| Connecting with friends or family | 57% |
| Food related | 54% |
| Shopping (non-food related) | 54% |
| Learning new things | 51% |
| Medical | 49% |
| Entertainment (other than gaming) | 48% |
| Health/Wellness/Fitness | 46% |
| Sharing knowledge | 46% |
| Gaming | 46% |
| Finances | 45% |
| Being creative (e.g. in areas such as music, design, photography, videos, etc.) | 44% |
| As part of your job | 40% |
| Education | 39% |
| Job search related | 38% |
| Volunteering | 33% |
| Travel | 30% |
About this polling
State Policy Network is working with Heart + Mind Strategies to track the American public’s opinions through this time of upheaval and change. The Heart + Mind Strategies’ Coronavirus Tracking Poll has been fielded weekly since March 18-19, 2020. In June, the polling schedule shifted to bi-weekly, with the most recent field dates of September 2-3, 2020, informing this article. This was an online quantitative survey. In total, a sample of n=1,008 interviews were conducted.
