Floridians favor shutdown steps, wish people would wear masks, poll finds

An April survey of Floridians by the University of South Florida and Nielsen found that most still see the coronavirus as a threat and wish for statewide mitigation policies, like requiring masks.

Nearly 80 percent said everyone should be required to wear masks in public. About 75 percent are concerned about someone they know contracting the virus in the next three months.

Forty percent agreed that public reaction to the pandemic will do more harm than the disease itself.

The survey of 600 Floridians was conducted from April 15 to 24 and released Wednesday. Its margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

The university and Nielsen, a data and analytics company, next week are expected to release results of a second survey on how the virus has affected the economy, consumers and the workplace.

In the April survey, a large majority of respondents said they supported the state’s closing of restaurants, bars and beaches, as well as the limiting of public gatherings, including those at churches.

Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said people who violate “stay at home” orders should be fined and that nightly curfews should be put in place.

Those surveyed favored state government’s response to the crisis over that of the federal government.

Nearly two-thirds said they trusted Florida leaders “a great deal” or a “good amount” to share accurate information about the pandemic. Even more, nearly 70 percent of respondents, said they supported local government response, and about 76 percent said they trusted information from those entities.

In contrast, about 55 percent of respondents said they trusted information coming from the federal government.

About half of the registered Democrats surveyed disapproved of the federal response, compared to about 10 percent of Republicans and 35 percent of independent voters. A similar trend was seen regarding the state’s response, results show.

• • •

Tampa Bay Times coronavirus coverage

GET THE DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information, six days a week

WHAT’S OPEN?: This list includes local establishments doing business in various ways.

LOCAL RESTAURANTS: The updated database of Tampa Bay restaurants open for dine-in or takeout

UNEMPLOYMENT Q&A: We answer your questions about Florida unemployment benefits

BRIGHT SPOTS IN DARK TIMES: The world is hard right now, but there’s still good news out there

LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters

HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO COVID-19?: Help us remember them

Keep up with Tampa Bay’s top headlines

Subscribe to our free DayStarter newsletter

We’ll deliver the latest news and information you need to know every morning.

Loading...

You’re all signed up!

Want more of our free, weekly newsletters in your inbox? Let’s get started.

Explore all your options

HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips

We’re working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you haven’t already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.