American Public Responses to COVID-19

A scientific national survey of 3,933 adults conducted in April 2020 reveals that a large majority of Americans prioritize public health over economic recovery and have adopted various protective behaviors. While trust in medical experts remains high, there is a significant demand for more information, and expectations for both the epidemic and the economy to worsen in the short term are prevalent.

• A vast majority of Americans prioritize stopping the spread of the coronavirus over economic concerns, with 84% stating that stopping the spread is more important than stopping the economic decline.
• There is broad consensus across demographic groups, including Republicans, Trump voters, and those who have been laid off, that public health should be prioritized over the economy.
• Most Americans believe that more action is needed from citizens, the U.S. Congress, and President Trump to limit the spread of the virus, with 38% specifically stating President Trump should be doing "much more."
• As of April 7, 2020, a majority of Americans expected both the epidemic and the economy to deteriorate over the following month, with 64% expecting the epidemic to get worse and 70% expecting the economy to get worse.
• Despite 94% of Americans following the news closely, 80% report needing more information about the coronavirus, with higher needs reported by African Americans, urban residents, and liberal/moderate Republicans.
• Medical professionals and health organizations, including doctors, the CDC, and the NIH, are highly trusted sources of accurate information, trusted by approximately 9 in 10 Americans.
• Trust in information sources is polarized by party; Democrats are more likely to trust national network news and CNN, while Republicans are more likely to trust Fox News.
• Americans demonstrate high levels of knowledge regarding basic COVID-19 facts, such as the importance of handwashing (92%) and the fact that the virus can be spread by asymptomatic people (91%).
• A significant portion of the public remains confused about certain facts; for example, only 60% know that drinking water cannot kill the virus by flushing it into the stomach.
• High adoption rates of protective behaviors are reported, including frequent handwashing (90%), maintaining 6-foot distance (87%), and stopping handshakes (84%).
• Mask usage is significantly lower than other protective behaviors, with only 44% of Americans reporting they have worn a mask in public.
• Younger Americans (18-29) are less likely to adopt protective measures and perceive less social pressure to do so compared to other adults.
• There are strong perceived social norms regarding the limitation of the virus, with 92% of Americans stating their family and friends are making an effort to limit the spread.

APA

Center for Climate Change Communication (2020). American Public Responses to COVID-19. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/american-public-responses-covid19-april-2020.pdf

Chicago

Center for Climate Change Communication. American Public Responses to COVID-19. 2020. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/american-public-responses-covid19-april-2020.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Center for Climate Change Communication |title=American Public Responses to COVID-19 |date=April 2020 |url=https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/american-public-responses-covid19-april-2020.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{centerforclimatechangecommunication2020american, author = {{Center for Climate Change Communication}}, title = {{American Public Responses to COVID-19}}, institution = {Center for Climate Change Communication}, year = {2020}, month = apr, url = {https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/american-public-responses-covid19-april-2020.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }