[chrisk]

In this National Geographic / Morning Consult poll, mask wearing was sliced by a variety of demographics.
Republicans and related demographics came up consistently with a minority always wearing a mask.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/scien...21E1E7BD14

[chrisk]

In this National Geographic / Morning Consult poll, mask wearing was sliced by a variety of demographics.
Republicans and related demographics came up consistently with a minority always wearing a mask.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/scien...21E1E7BD14

[oregontim]

In this National Geographic / Morning Consult poll, mask wearing was sliced by a variety of demographics.
Republicans and related demographics came up consistently with a minority always wearing a mask.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/scien...21E1E7BD14

Really interesting data, thanks for the post.

[oregontim]

In this National Geographic / Morning Consult poll, mask wearing was sliced by a variety of demographics.
Republicans and related demographics came up consistently with a minority always wearing a mask.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/scien...21E1E7BD14

Really interesting data, thanks for the post.

[fullmetal]

I'm surprised and deflated at how so many of those were...predictable.  The right-wing has politicized mask-wearing and public health in their echo chambers, and I can't think of a good solution for this.

[fullmetal]

I'm surprised and deflated at how so many of those were...predictable.  The right-wing has politicized mask-wearing and public health in their echo chambers, and I can't think of a good solution for this.

[JustAnotherFan]

Interesting but I feel this poll makes it too easy to get upset by the results or to find excuses for the results depending what camp you're in.

If you look at community you see this breakdown for always:

Urban 70%
Suburban 60%
Rural 50%

Of course Urban to Rural in most places runs from liberal to conservative, from minority-majority to majority white. But it also goes from very dense to not dense.

I live in a low density suburb of a major city. I never wear a mask when I walk the dogs or go for a run in my community as I never come within ten feet of anyone else. Never. Rarely do I come within 20 feet of someone else who would also be walking/running. Yet I am taking this pandemic extremely seriously. But wearing a mask when I am outdoors around nobody isn't protecting me or them. 

I always wear a mask when I go into the gas station, the grocery store, or into the city. If I lived in the city I would wear a mask when walking the dogs or running.

[JustAnotherFan]

Interesting but I feel this poll makes it too easy to get upset by the results or to find excuses for the results depending what camp you're in.

If you look at community you see this breakdown for always:

Urban 70%
Suburban 60%
Rural 50%

Of course Urban to Rural in most places runs from liberal to conservative, from minority-majority to majority white. But it also goes from very dense to not dense.

I live in a low density suburb of a major city. I never wear a mask when I walk the dogs or go for a run in my community as I never come within ten feet of anyone else. Never. Rarely do I come within 20 feet of someone else who would also be walking/running. Yet I am taking this pandemic extremely seriously. But wearing a mask when I am outdoors around nobody isn't protecting me or them. 

I always wear a mask when I go into the gas station, the grocery store, or into the city. If I lived in the city I would wear a mask when walking the dogs or running.

[Mick]

I'm surprised and deflated at how so many of those were...predictable.  The right-wing has politicized mask-wearing and public health in their echo chambers, and I can't think of a good solution for this.

People tend to congregate with their own.  Not so good for the long-term (or short-term) health or survivability for right-wingers.

[Mick]

I'm surprised and deflated at how so many of those were...predictable.  The right-wing has politicized mask-wearing and public health in their echo chambers, and I can't think of a good solution for this.

People tend to congregate with their own.  Not so good for the long-term (or short-term) health or survivability for right-wingers.

[JustAnotherFan]

I'm surprised and deflated at how so many of those were...predictable.  The right-wing has politicized mask-wearing and public health in their echo chambers, and I can't think of a good solution for this.

People tend to congregate with their own.  Not so good for the long-term (or short-term) health or survivability for right-wingers.

Sad for the right-wingers who waive off the risks but tragic for the rest of society who suffers from the continued growth of the pandemic.

[JustAnotherFan]

I'm surprised and deflated at how so many of those were...predictable.  The right-wing has politicized mask-wearing and public health in their echo chambers, and I can't think of a good solution for this.

People tend to congregate with their own.  Not so good for the long-term (or short-term) health or survivability for right-wingers.

Sad for the right-wingers who waive off the risks but tragic for the rest of society who suffers from the continued growth of the pandemic.

[Genuine Realist]

Interesting but I feel this poll makes it too easy to get upset by the results or to find excuses for the results depending what camp you're in.

If you look at community you see this breakdown for always:

Urban 70%
Suburban 60%
Rural 50%

Of course Urban to Rural in most places runs from liberal to conservative, from minority-majority to majority white. But it also goes from very dense to not dense.

I live in a low density suburb of a major city. I never wear a mask when I walk the dogs or go for a run in my community as I never come within ten feet of anyone else. Never. Rarely do I come within 20 feet of someone else who would also be walking/running. Yet I am taking this pandemic extremely seriously. But wearing a mask when I am outdoors around nobody isn't protecting me or them. 

I always wear a mask when I go into the gas station, the grocery store, or into the city. If I lived in the city I would wear a mask when walking the dogs or running.

I don't know how I'd fit. I always wear a mask indoors, almost never outdoors - only in a crowded setting, which doesn't come up that much. I am surprised that the rate in truly rural areas is as high as it is.

[Genuine Realist]

Interesting but I feel this poll makes it too easy to get upset by the results or to find excuses for the results depending what camp you're in.

If you look at community you see this breakdown for always:

Urban 70%
Suburban 60%
Rural 50%

Of course Urban to Rural in most places runs from liberal to conservative, from minority-majority to majority white. But it also goes from very dense to not dense.

I live in a low density suburb of a major city. I never wear a mask when I walk the dogs or go for a run in my community as I never come within ten feet of anyone else. Never. Rarely do I come within 20 feet of someone else who would also be walking/running. Yet I am taking this pandemic extremely seriously. But wearing a mask when I am outdoors around nobody isn't protecting me or them. 

I always wear a mask when I go into the gas station, the grocery store, or into the city. If I lived in the city I would wear a mask when walking the dogs or running.

I don't know how I'd fit. I always wear a mask indoors, almost never outdoors - only in a crowded setting, which doesn't come up that much. I am surprised that the rate in truly rural areas is as high as it is.

[BostonCard]

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

[BostonCard]

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

[magnus]

There seems to be a big gap between "always" and "sometimes".   Feels like a drop from 100% to under 50%.  There needs to be a "most of the time" or "often".  

Even still, like others have said, if I'm in a public indoor place or think that I will be near other people outdoors, I will wear a mask.  But if I'm outside the house or exercising outside, no mask.

[magnus]

There seems to be a big gap between "always" and "sometimes".   Feels like a drop from 100% to under 50%.  There needs to be a "most of the time" or "often".  

Even still, like others have said, if I'm in a public indoor place or think that I will be near other people outdoors, I will wear a mask.  But if I'm outside the house or exercising outside, no mask.

[g1313]

Given the research coming out about potential aerosol spread and the trivially low negative impact on me personally on wearing a mask, I now wear a mask when leaving the house 100% of the time. 

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

[g1313]

Given the research coming out about potential aerosol spread and the trivially low negative impact on me personally on wearing a mask, I now wear a mask when leaving the house 100% of the time. 

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

[BostonCard]

Unless you go out with an N95, most masks will not filter out aerosols.  So, if that is an issue, wearing a mask is not helping.

In an outdoor environment, aerosols will be quickly dissipated.  The danger of aerosols is much greater in an enclosed area with prolonged contact (think over the course of a dinner in an indoor restaurant) or at work.  The risk in these settings is that the aerosols will persist in the environment and move further between an infected patient and other people.   

BC

[BostonCard]

Unless you go out with an N95, most masks will not filter out aerosols.  So, if that is an issue, wearing a mask is not helping.

In an outdoor environment, aerosols will be quickly dissipated.  The danger of aerosols is much greater in an enclosed area with prolonged contact (think over the course of a dinner in an indoor restaurant) or at work.  The risk in these settings is that the aerosols will persist in the environment and move further between an infected patient and other people.   

BC

[allrightynow]

Unless you go out with an N95, most masks will not filter out aerosols.  So, if that is an issue, wearing a mask is not helping.

BC

I'm no expert, but looking at
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252
and
https://www.masktestingatnu.com/findings
and
https://medium.com/@fixthemask/latest-te...59dbb926a3
it seems that surgical masks (and even the right fabric cloth masks) can approach something like 90% of a N95 mask's filtering capability if you can get a nice tight fit?

[allrightynow]

Unless you go out with an N95, most masks will not filter out aerosols.  So, if that is an issue, wearing a mask is not helping.

BC

I'm no expert, but looking at
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252
and
https://www.masktestingatnu.com/findings
and
https://medium.com/@fixthemask/latest-te...59dbb926a3
it seems that surgical masks (and even the right fabric cloth masks) can approach something like 90% of a N95 mask's filtering capability if you can get a nice tight fit?

[g1313]

If I'm reading the linked NIH paper correctly, a multi-layer cloth mask even with a gap still filters around 37% of droplets/aerosols <300nm. To me that seems significantly better than nothing, again at basically no cost to me. Also protects against me sneezing or coughing and getting it on someone 20ft+ away.

Unless you go out with an N95, most masks will not filter out aerosols.  So, if that is an issue, wearing a mask is not helping.

BC

I'm no expert, but looking at
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252
and
https://www.masktestingatnu.com/findings
and
https://medium.com/@fixthemask/latest-te...59dbb926a3
it seems that surgical masks (and even the right fabric cloth masks) can approach something like 90% of a N95 mask's filtering capability if you can get a nice tight fit?

[g1313]

If I'm reading the linked NIH paper correctly, a multi-layer cloth mask even with a gap still filters around 37% of droplets/aerosols <300nm. To me that seems significantly better than nothing, again at basically no cost to me. Also protects against me sneezing or coughing and getting it on someone 20ft+ away.

Unless you go out with an N95, most masks will not filter out aerosols.  So, if that is an issue, wearing a mask is not helping.

BC

I'm no expert, but looking at
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252
and
https://www.masktestingatnu.com/findings
and
https://medium.com/@fixthemask/latest-te...59dbb926a3
it seems that surgical masks (and even the right fabric cloth masks) can approach something like 90% of a N95 mask's filtering capability if you can get a nice tight fit?

[Goose]

If I'm reading the linked NIH paper correctly, a multi-layer cloth mask even with a gap still filters around 37% of droplets/aerosols <300nm. To me that seems significantly better than nothing, again at basically no cost to me. Also protects against me sneezing or coughing and getting it on someone 20ft+ away.

It is better than nothing even if it's ability to filter aerosols is 5%. There are many unknowns right now about the role of aerosols in spreading COVID-19. There are even more unknowns about the actual effect of masks on attenuating the unknown effect of aerosol spread. Unfortunately that is going to be the way it is for quite a while. For example, we could discover that 90% of the aerosol transfer occurs with particles of 100 nm or less. That might make the cloth masks look lots less useful. Or, it could be visa versa. Or, it may be the effect is negligible, which was pretty much the majority opinion only a month ago, as I understand it. We do the best we can.

[Goose]

If I'm reading the linked NIH paper correctly, a multi-layer cloth mask even with a gap still filters around 37% of droplets/aerosols <300nm. To me that seems significantly better than nothing, again at basically no cost to me. Also protects against me sneezing or coughing and getting it on someone 20ft+ away.

It is better than nothing even if it's ability to filter aerosols is 5%. There are many unknowns right now about the role of aerosols in spreading COVID-19. There are even more unknowns about the actual effect of masks on attenuating the unknown effect of aerosol spread. Unfortunately that is going to be the way it is for quite a while. For example, we could discover that 90% of the aerosol transfer occurs with particles of 100 nm or less. That might make the cloth masks look lots less useful. Or, it could be visa versa. Or, it may be the effect is negligible, which was pretty much the majority opinion only a month ago, as I understand it. We do the best we can.

[terry]

In this National Geographic / Morning Consult poll, mask wearing was sliced by a variety of demographics.
Republicans and related demographics came up consistently with a minority always wearing a mask.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/scien...21E1E7BD14

Interesting. This survey looks at mask use by age, gender, ethnicity, region, education, income, religion, rural/suburban/urban, and so forth. The group that has the lowest rate of mask use is people who strongly approve of Trump's job performance. It would seem likely that Trump would have the ability to influence this group to wear masks, if he really wanted to. It's an opportunity to exercise leadership. Or maybe he already did influence them, but in the other direction.

[terry]

In this National Geographic / Morning Consult poll, mask wearing was sliced by a variety of demographics.
Republicans and related demographics came up consistently with a minority always wearing a mask.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/scien...21E1E7BD14

Interesting. This survey looks at mask use by age, gender, ethnicity, region, education, income, religion, rural/suburban/urban, and so forth. The group that has the lowest rate of mask use is people who strongly approve of Trump's job performance. It would seem likely that Trump would have the ability to influence this group to wear masks, if he really wanted to. It's an opportunity to exercise leadership. Or maybe he already did influence them, but in the other direction.

[lex24]

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

Agree 100%. I do the same thing when I’m walking.  And frankly when I do walk and I see people almost none are wearing masks. Occasionally when they see me coming they’ll put their mask on - I try to do it. Primarily quite honestly just to be polite. I will also cross the street and get as far away as possible.  I need the fresh air in my lungs.  So I’m not gonna wear a mask while walking when nobody’s around. I doubt tremendously that anywhere close to 60% of the people “always”wear masks “ when they are in public. So my guess is there’s a lot of interpretation that is going into that answer and what it means to be in “public.” 

It’s one of the reasons I really don’t like Polls. Yeah they provide us some information but it’s always limited. You may define “public“ different than I do. I would’ve answered that question “sometimes.” Because of the fact that while I’m outside walking on the street I’m in “public“ even though I’m not around any people. Others may simply determine that that’s not “public“ – or simply want to be on the more “socially responsible“ side of the answer. That’s answering “always” even though that’s not the case literally.

[lex24]

There is probably a strong social desirability component to how people answer the survey.  In my suburban neighborhood, I don't see 60% of people wearing masks, and in fact, I don't wear a mask most of the time.  But that is because most of the time I am not in a position where social distancing is not possible.  I very rarely venture into an indoor public space, but I would wear a mask if I did.  I rarely come within 6 feet of anyone else outdoors, so mostly I don't wear a mask when I am walking.  But I carry one in my pocket (unless I forget, which sometimes happens), and I put it on when I am approaching somebody.  I preferentially will try to get far out of the way (10 or more feet away), but sometimes it is unavoidable to come within 6 feet.

So, I'm not sure how I would qualify my adherence to mask wearing in such a black and white survey question.

BC

Agree 100%. I do the same thing when I’m walking.  And frankly when I do walk and I see people almost none are wearing masks. Occasionally when they see me coming they’ll put their mask on - I try to do it. Primarily quite honestly just to be polite. I will also cross the street and get as far away as possible.  I need the fresh air in my lungs.  So I’m not gonna wear a mask while walking when nobody’s around. I doubt tremendously that anywhere close to 60% of the people “always”wear masks “ when they are in public. So my guess is there’s a lot of interpretation that is going into that answer and what it means to be in “public.” 

It’s one of the reasons I really don’t like Polls. Yeah they provide us some information but it’s always limited. You may define “public“ different than I do. I would’ve answered that question “sometimes.” Because of the fact that while I’m outside walking on the street I’m in “public“ even though I’m not around any people. Others may simply determine that that’s not “public“ – or simply want to be on the more “socially responsible“ side of the answer. That’s answering “always” even though that’s not the case literally.