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).


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