4/27/20
CONTACT: Tremont Public Advisors, 860-986-7737
Hartford –A poll released today by the public affairs firm Tremont Public Advisors shows a solid majority of Connecticut residents support the state’s “stay at home” policy designed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Even as the number of newly unemployed rises to 400,000 as a result of the pandemic, 62% of Connecticut residents support the state’s policy which has kept Connecticut residents homebound and closed hundreds of businesses and schools.
The on-line survey of 1,425 Connecticut residents conducted between 4/23-4/26/20 asked respondents what they thought state leaders should do next in light of the hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents filing new unemployment claims and a death toll exceeding 1,400. Most residents supported maintaining Governor Lamont’s “Stay Safe, Stay Home” policy for now. Only 9% of respondents supported lifting the policy and opening up all businesses immediately. 22% of residents were unsure what next steps state leaders should take. These results are consistent with recent polling showing the majority of Americans support social distancing/stay at home policies.[1]
“Thirty days in to the Governor’s Executive Order implementing the stay at home policy and in light of protests and pressure by conservative groups to “reopen” Connecticut’s economy, most Connecticut residents continue to support the rigorous social distancing policies the state has implemented.” stated Matt Hennessy, Managing Director of Tremont Public Advisors. “Those supporting the rapid “reopening” of Connecticut’s economy, with the tactic support of President Trump, have been vocal and visible over the past couple of weeks, but their views are shared by only a small fraction of their fellow residents.” Hennessy stated further.
The survey also collected a number of comments from respondents who didn’t select one of the three main survey responses. The following is a sample of the comments submitted verbatim:
“Cancel school year, require masks in public, have tests available” – Montville, CT
“I think we should keep the stay at home in place thru May” – New Britain, CT
“lockdown state” -Newington, CT
“LISTEN TO TRUMPS POLICYS THEY ARE WORKING AND STOP WAITING TO ENFORCE THEM.” – New London, CT
“Start slowly opening up businesses while at least suggesting that they adapt their businesses to practice social distancing better.” – Newtown, CT
“Testing, testing, testing” – Wallingford, CT
“There needs to be economic assistance for the unemployed” - Orange, CT
Of those supporting the “stay at home policy”, women represented 58% of the supporters with the largest age group being the 55-64 age group (21%)
Of those supporting an immediate opening of businesses and lifting of the “stay at home policy”, men constituted 61% of supporters with the largest age group being 65 and over (24%).
Survey Results
(Responses of Connecticut residents)
Q1: In Connecticut, COVID-19 has left 360,000 workers unemployed and at least 1432 dead. What do you think state leaders should do next?
Keep the stay at home policy for now. 62%
Stop the stay at home policy and open all stores 9%
Don't know 22%
Other 7%
About Tremont Public Advisors, LLC: Tremont Public Advisors is a leading Public Affairs firm in Washington D.C. and Hartford, Connecticut. You can learn more about our polling here: (https://www.tremontpublicadvisors.net/news/2018/11/7/how-accurate-were-the-final-polls-in-the-race-for-ct-governor)
About Matthew Hennessy, Managing Director of Tremont Public Advisors: Recognized as one of the top political consultants in the United States by Campaigns and Elections Magazine, Matt has served as an adviser to multiple campaigns for federal, state and local office, as well as a range of high-profile corporations and organizations.
Methodology
Between 4/23/20 and 4/26/20 Tremont Public Advisors conducted a survey of 1,425 Connecticut residents over age 18 using an on-line survey platform. Respondents were allowed to take the survey only once and were restricted from choosing more than one answer. The answer choices were shown in a random order. The poll population consisted of Connecticut internet users viewing content on a network of web publisher sites on both mobile and desktop devices. The survey answers have a MMOE of no more than +/- 2.5%.
Gender, age and location of the survey respondents were inferred by data correlated to the I.P. address of the respondent. The survey used statistical weighting procedures to account for deviations in the survey sample from known population characteristics, which helps correct for differential survey participation and random variation in samples. The overall adult sample is weighted based on U.S. Census data using a procedure to match the demographic makeup of the target population of Connecticut internet users by gender, age and geography.
The survey was designed and paid for by Tremont Public Advisors, LLC.
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/large-majorities-americans-back-coronavirus-restrictions-slower-return/story?id=70291873