Patch Survey: MA Schools Should Require Masks

BOSTON — Whether to wear a mask to fight the spread of the coronavirus might start arguments in some parts of the country, but not in Massachusetts, where a huge majority not only favors using masks, but also says businesses should deny entry to anyone without one.

According to an informal survey of some 9,000 Patch readers conducted over the weekend, 86 percent of state residents believe it's important to wear a mask to slow the spread of the virus, and 85 percent said they always or almost always wear a mask when they are in public. Also, 86 percent said schools should require masks when they reopen.

Massachusetts residents have been required to wear masks in public when social distancing is not possible under an executive order from Gov. Charlie Baker that took effect May 6. There are some exemptions, but those who violate the order are subject to a $300 fine.

But respondents also suggested that others aren't as diligent about wearing masks as they should be. Nearly one in five said people they encounter in public are masked only half the time, and another 7 percent said they do less than half the time.

Perhaps as a result, 86 percent of respondents say restaurants, retailers and other businesses should refuse entry to people who aren't masked.

The Patch survey, which was posted Saturday and emailed to Patch subscribers, should not be understood as a professional poll, with margins of error and randomization, but instead should be seen as a broad, informal assessment of public sentiment.

The survey revealed considerable concern about the safety of children if schools reopen in the fall.

Half of respondents said masks should be required in schools when social distancing cannot be observed, and another 35 percent said masks should be required all the time.

And among those 6,000 respondents who said they have school-age children, more than a third said they would consider keeping their children out of school if masks are not required.

The concern about the spread of the virus seems to be well-founded — more than a fifth of respondents said a family member or someone in their social circle tested positive for the virus.

And when asked to rate their own fears of catching the virus on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the greatest fear, more than 40 percent put their concern at a 4 or 5.

Using a similar scale, respondents gave high marks to state and local authorities for their actions during the pandemic, with more than three-fourths — 77 percent — giving authorities a 4 or 5 for their actions.

Related:

MA Residents Required To Wear Masks When Not Social Distancing

What Is Reopening Today In Massachusetts: Phase 2, Part 2