A new Fox News poll found that 54 percent of Americans support vaccination requirements for indoor activities as Republicans have grown more concerned about the pandemic.
The study—which was conducted from September 12-15—found an increase in support for the vaccine requirements. In August, only 50 percent of respondents backed the policy.
Meanwhile, 44 percent said they oppose vaccine requirements for indoor activities, a drop from 46 percent in August, the poll found.
Some cities, including New York City, have required people to show proof of being vaccinated in order to participate in some indoor activities, including eating at restaurants and going to the gym. Enforcement began last week, and a hostess at a Manhattan restaurant was allegedly assaulted by tourists from Texas after asking for proof.
Nearly three-quarters of the country—74 percent–said they are either "extremely" or "very" concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. In August, that number was 69 percent.
The shift has largely been powered by an increase in concern among Republicans and men, the poll found.
In August, 49 percent of Republicans said they were concerned about the pandemic. That number grew to 63 percent in September.
Seventy-one percent of men said they were concerned about the pandemic, an increase from 63 percent in August.
The poll also asked peoples' opinions on vaccine and mask mandates. More than two-thirds of the country—67 percent—support teachers and students wearing masks, as debate continues in some states over mask mandates in schools.
Sixty-six percent of respondents supported requiring workers and customers being required to wear masks.
In total, 65 percent said they believe the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, while 29 percent said they believe it is not. Eighty-three percent of Democrats said it is safe, while only 50 percent of Republicans said so.
Earlier in September, President Joe Biden announced several policies regarding COVID-19 vaccination mandates. He mandated that federal government contractors and executive branch employees be vaccinated. Biden also required businesses with 100 or more employees to ensure all of their employees are vaccinated or produce a negative test.
Fifty-eight said they support mandating government workers to be vaccinated, and 56 percent agreed with Biden's policy regarding businesses, the poll found.
A majority of Americans supported Biden's performance on the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifty-five percent said they approved, while 44 percent disapproved, the survey reported.
COVID-19 cases in the United States have increased since July. The surge is largely attributed to the Delta variant.
On Friday, the U.S. had a 7-day-average of 148,252 new cases per day. Two months earlier, that number was 32,305, according to data from The New York Times.
The new Fox News survey polled 1,002 registered voters across the U.S. and carries a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.
Newsweek reached out to Fox News for comment Sunday.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Andrew Stanton is a Newsweek weekend reporter based in Maine. His role is reporting on U.S. politics and social issues. ... Read more
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