A new poll shows that the majority of Americans believe that President Donald Trump was too slow to take major steps to address the threat...
A new poll shows that the majority of Americans believe that President Donald Trump was too slow to take major steps to address the threat of the coronavirus outbreak in the U.S.
The poll from Pew Research Center was released on Thursday, and surveyed surveyed 4,917 adults in the U.S. in April, with weighted responses to reflect national demographics.
Asked whether Trump was 'quick' or 'too slow' in leading the pandemic response, 65 percent responded 'too slow.'
Asked about the problems America faces in the pandemic, 73 percent said that they believed the worst is yet to come.
A new poll shows that the majority of Americans believe that President Donald Trump was too slow to take major steps to address the threat of the coronavirus outbreak
When it comes to state governments lifting restrictions on public life, 66 percent said they were more concerned that restrictions would end too quickly, while 32 percent were more concerned they wouldn't be lifted quickly enough.
The poll also found that fewer than half of Americans, 39 percent, say Trump portrays the coronavirus situation 'about as it really is.'
About half (52 percent) say he is making the situation seem better than it really is, while 8 percent say he is making things seem worse than they really are.
It comes as Trump laid out his three-phase roadmap for governors to follow in restoring normal activity in places that have strong testing and are seeing a decrease in COVID-19 cases.
The new guidelines are aimed at easing restrictions in areas with low transmission of the coronavirus, while holding the line in harder-hit locations.
The Pew Research Center poll was released on Thursday
They make clear that the return to normalcy will be a far longer process than Trump initially envisioned, with federal officials warning that some social distancing measures may need to remain in place through the end of the year to prevent a new outbreak.
And they largely reinforce plans already in the works by governors, who have primary responsibility for public health in their states.
'You´re going to call your own shots,' Trump told the governors Thursday afternoon in a conference call, according to an audio recording obtained by The Associated Press. 'We´re going to be standing alongside of you.'
Places with declining infections and strong testing would begin a three-phase gradual reopening of businesses and schools.
In phase one, for instance, the plan recommends strict social distancing for all people in public. Gatherings larger than 10 people are to be avoided and nonessential travel is discouraged.
In phase two, people are encouraged to maximize social distancing and limit gatherings to no more than 50 people unless precautionary measures are taken. Travel could resume.
Phase three envisions a return to normalcy for most Americans, with a focus on identification and isolation of any new infections.
Trump said recent trends in some states were so positive that they could almost immediately begin taking the steps laid out in phase one.
'We´re starting our life again,' Trump said during his daily press briefing. 'We´re starting rejuvenation of our economy again.'
He added, 'This is a gradual process.'
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