Here's What Pennsylvanians Think About Masks [Patch Survey]

PENNSYLVANIA — More than 13,500 Pennsylvania readers responded to Patch's survey last week asking residents how they feel about masks in light of increasing COVID-19 cases and new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

While around 36 percent of those who responded to Patch's non-scientific survey said they "never" wear a mask indoors in public, even more — 60 percent — said they would if cases began to surge in their area.

But that's already happening, according to statistics from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC is recommending anyone — vaccinated or not — wear a mask indoors in areas with high or substantial spread of the coronavirus. In Pennsylvania, that includes 50 of 67 counties.

Meanwhile, about 41 percent of readers who responded said they "always or nearly always" wear a mask indoors in public, while around 10 percent said they do so less than half the time, 8 percent said they do so more than half the time, and about 5 percent say they wear one about half the time.

An overwhelming number of those who responded, more than 81 percent, said they are vaccinated against the coronavirus, while just under 10 percent said they are not, and 9 percent preferred not to say.

A majority of those who responded — 56 percent — said they supported a "vaccine passport" to attend events or partake in dining at restaurants. Thirty-seven percent said they did not support that and more than 6 percent said they were unsure.

Now onto schools: As some school districts begin to reverse or reconsider a masks-optional stance, a plurality of Pennsylvania Patch readers who responded — more than 56 percent — said they think students and staff should wear masks at school. About 38 percent of those who responded were against masks in schools, and just more than 5 percent weren't sure.

The majority of readers who responded supported a new mask mandate, with more than 49 percent of those who responded saying yes. Just over 43 percent said they would not support a new mask mandate in Pennsylvania, and 7 percent said they were not sure.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story stated incorrect data for this question. The story has been updated to reflect the correct response.

Fifty-five percent of those who responded supported businesses requiring patrons to wear masks, while nearly 40 percent said businesses should not require masks. Around 5 percent of Patch readers who responded weren't sure how they feel.

The survey also asked Patch readers to share any additional thoughts on masks and the COVID-19 pandemic in general. Here's a sampling of responses:

• Cases are growing but serious illness and death is not. Vaccines are available for anyone who wants it. Most people already have natural/heard immunity to the virus so even if they get sick, the virus's lethality is negligible.
• Masks for young kids because they are not yet eligible for the vaccine. Mandatory vaccination for everyone else (with only strong medically-based exemptions allowed). Clearly the best way to get past this mess.
• Keep it simple--EVERYONE should mask up. Then there is no guessing, wondering, anxiety... vaccine staus won't matter. Everyone wears one.
• Every person should make their own decisions and be responsible for their own health.
• We are never going to get out of this cycle of new COVID variants until more people get vaccinated. All employers and schools should mandate vaccines and masks (indoors).
• I am vaccinated, but I will continue to wear a mask in any store or place I go. I have not been to a restaurant, and will continue to not go to a restaurant in the near future. I am looking forward to seeing if a booster shot is needed, and will be getting that too.
• I think we should look at this county by county. Issue a mask mandate if the county numbers go into a danger zone.
• If you are high risk wear a mask, social distance, stay home etc. leave everyone else alone. Let the economy grow again!