Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for August 5, 2021

Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day

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By Scott Rasmussen

The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

August 5, 2021: Fifty-seven percent (57%) of voters would feel comfortable going without a mask to an indoor restaurant, bar, or other social setting with a large number of people. A Scott Rasmussen national survey found that 40% would be uncomfortable.

These numbers are essentially unchanged since late May. That stability is interesting for a variety of reasons. In late May, 56% were confident that the worst of the pandemic was behind us. That figure has fallen to 28% today. Additionally, the CDC's guidance on wearing masks has changed, a fact that 61% of voters recognize.

One possible explanation for this is that a large number of people are simply not following the CDC guidelines. Among those who recognize that the CDC recommends even vaccinated people to wear masks at indoor social events, 42% are comfortable attending such events without a mask. That’s consistent with data from a few months ago showing that just 33% of voters have been following the CDC's guidance very closely.

The survey also found that a significant number of voters may have competing attitudes about mask-wearing and social distancing.

For example, among voters who think we need to re-impose stricter lockdowns, 30% are personally comfortable attending indoor social events without a mask. Additionally, among those who say they’d like to live in a state with strict mask and social distancing guidelines, 31% are personally comfortable attending indoor events without a mask.

These results suggest that between 9% and 13% of voters want strict guidelines but are personally comfortable with certain social situations if those guidelines are not in effect.

Overall, 31% of voters want to re-impose strict mandates. Sixty-two percent are opposed.

Additionally, 48% of all voters would rather live in a state where masks and other social distancing rules are up to individuals and local businesses. Nearly as many–44%–would rather live in a state with strict mask mandates and social distancing rules.

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Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.

• August 4, 2021 -28 percent of voters believe worst of the pandemic is behind us, 45% fear it’s still to come
• August 3, 2021 -63 percent of voters want schools to reopen this fall
• August 2, 2021 -31% say personal finances getting better; 26% say worse
• July 30, 2021 -47 percent of Black voters have received Covid vaccine
• July 29, 2021 -55 percent of voters believe lockdowns did more harm than good

• To see other recent numbers, check out the archive.

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Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here to check out the latest update.

The Number of the Day is broadcast on local stations across the country. An archive of these broadcasts can be found here.

Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.

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See also

• Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day
• Federal government responses to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine distribution by state
• Executive orders issued by governors and state agencies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020