Vanderbilt poll: Tennesseans have mixed views on COVID-19

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A poll from Vanderbilt University shows a partisan divide in Tennesseans’ views on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vanderbilt polled 1,000 registered voters on their opinions back in May. The breakdown showed clear lines not just politically, but also along racial and gender lines.

The survey also found there are mixed reviews on how the recovery is being handled. Overall, 60% of Tennesseans are still worried that they or a loved one will contract the virus, and slightly more people fear a resurgence of the virus as the state reopens.

For instance, 79% of Republicans approved of lifting the stay-at-home order, but 78% of Democrats disagreed.

When the poll was broken down by race, it found that 76% of people of color are worried about infection, while only 55% of white Tennesseans feel the same. The survey also found that 66% of women are worried compared to only 52% of men.

Right now, Tennessee and Nashville are in the middle of phased reopening plans to rebound from the pandemic. Fewer than half of those surveyed said restaurants, bars and churches should reopen, while two-thirds supported reopening stores. Just a quarter of Tennesseans were ready for the return of air travel, concerts or sporting events.

Both Democrats and Republicans agreed that the election should be held on time and that there should be additional time for early voting.

Click here to read the full report.