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Coronavirus: 83% of Americans worry reopening states could lead to spike in infections, poll finds

Anti-lockdown protesters gather outside the Wisconsin state capitol in Madison: AP
Anti-lockdown protesters gather outside the Wisconsin state capitol in Madison: AP

Though many Americans are growing anxious to resume business as usual, mass protests demanding states "reopen" reflect relatively fringe views, with nationwide polling showing that a majority of Americans fear that reopening their states during the coronavirus pandemic could put them at risk of infection.

While nearly ever state begins to ease restrictions and begin returning American life to "normal" following weeks of business closures, more than 80 per cent of Americans are worried about infecting themselves or their families, according to a May survey from the Associated Press and the National Opinion Research Centre at the University of Chicago.

Roughly 54 per cent of respondents are "very or extremely worried" about reopening spiking infections, while another 29 per cent are "somewhat worried" about the risk.

But even as respondents begin considering lifting some restrictions after several weeks of quarantines across the US, half of respondents say that a vaccine is essential before pre-pandemic public life can resume.

Echoing results from previous surveys during the "lock-down" period, most respondents said they believe restriction measures have been appropriate. More than half of respondents agreed with the restrictions, while another 27 per cent said they don't go far enough.

Only 18 per cent of respondents disagree with the mandates, and 16 per cent said they're not concerned at all about infections.

The nationwide poll of 1,056 adults was conducted between 14-18 May.

Support for restrictions overall has slipped within the last month, down from 80 per cent in April to 62 per cent in May, but the report shows that the changing attitudes among Republicans — mirroring demands from right-wing protests and GOP leadership — that have caused the numbers to dip slightly.

Republican support for stay-at-home measures dropped from 76 per cent in March to 45 per cent in May.

Results fell largely along partisan lines — three-quarters of Democratic respondents believe it's essential to wear face coverings before restrictions are lifted, while only 37 per cent of Republicans agree.

Overall, nearly 60 per cent of respondents support mandates for face coverings, which have become libertarian flashpoints.

Majorities of respondents from both parties also believe people who have been exposed to the virus should be quarantined.

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