COVID-19 Policy
Nationwide Support for Masks in Schools Grows
The majority of Americans now support masks in schools — support
that coincides with the wide-held belief that the worst of the
pandemic is not yet over.
According to a new survey from Long
Island University Hornstein Center, released today, only 23% of
Americans now believe that that worst is over as far as the pandemic
is concerned. That's down from 52% in June. At the same time, support
for masking is overwhelming. About three-quarters of respondents
(74%) said they favor masks in schools "to reduce the spread of
coronavirus." That compares with 75% of respondents, who said
they favor wearing masks in public spaces.
Oddly, slightly fewer — 72% — said they believe wearing masks
reduces the likelihood of contracting coronavirus. The same
percentage (72%) said they support vaccinating adolescents aged
12–18.
As of this publication, 62% of Americans age 12 and up are fully
vaccinated; 64% age 18 and up; and 82% age 65 and up.
The report can be found at liu.edu.
About the Author
David Nagel is editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Technology Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal and STEAM Universe. A 29-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.
He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEDavidNagel (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).