May 3, 2021: Since the COVID-19 vaccines became available in January, there has been a roughly 80% decline in the number of reported cases and deaths from the virus. However, just 36% of voters nationwide are aware of the progress. A Scott Rasmussen survey found 24% believe it is not true, and 40% are not sure.[1][2]
This may reflect the fact that 87% of national media coverage about the pandemic has been negative. National media coverage in the United States has been far more negative than coverage in scientific journals and other nations.[1]
Forty-one percent (41%) of Democrats are aware of the progress, along with 36% of Republicans. Only 29% of independent voters recognize how much of an improvement there has been.[1]
Interestingly, however, Democrats remain more pessimistic about the pandemic than other voters.[1]
By a 60% to 18% margin, Republicans believe the worst is behind us. A solid plurality (46% to 24%) of independents agree. Democrats are somewhat less convinced; 43% believe the worst is behind us, while 31% believe it is yet to come.[1]
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics and technology. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author. Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 9 a.m. Eastern. Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author. Scott Rasmussen is founder and president of the Rasmussen Media Group. He is the author of "Mad as Hell: How the Tea Party Movement Is Fundamentally Remaking Our Two-Party System," "In Search of Self-Governance," and "The People's Money: How Voters Will Balance the Budget and Eliminate the Federal Debt." Read Scott Rasmussen's Reports — More Here.
Footnotes:
1. ScottRasmussen.com, "36% aware of dramatic reduction in COVID cases," May 3, 2021
2. U.S. News, "COVID Deaths Continue to Decline in U.S.," April 30, 2021
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