Survey: Mississippians deeply concerned about COVID-19 and OK with government’s response

Mississippians are deeply concerned about the coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having on their health and safety as well as the economy and their communities.

The spring quarterly Millsaps College/Chism Strategies State of the State Survey finds nearly 90% of Mississippi voters are very or somewhat concerned with the pandemic and the possibility of themselves or someone in their family becoming ill. The survey finds Mississippians have seen their lives significantly disrupted by the pandemic, with 83% reporting being somewhat or significantly disrupted while nearly three-quarters are practicing 100% compliance with social distancing and stay-at-home restrictions.

Overall, Mississippi voters tend to believe the federal, state and local governmental response to the coronavirus outbreak has been handled in a way that protects the health and safety of citizens. The survey finds voters approve of the federal government’s response 62% to 34%, approve of the state government’s response 64% to 33%, and the response of their local governments 66% to 31%.

Health and economic security remain high priorities for voters, as 73% believe the coronavirus outbreak will lead to an economic recession. Mississippians are also fretting about being able to afford medical coverage for themselves and their families during the outbreak, with nearly 70% saying they are considerably or slightly more concerned with affording medical coverage.

“The coronavirus pandemic is a global crisis and our fellow Mississippians are feeling the impact on their families, communities, the workplace, schools and places of worship. We felt it was extremely valuable to dedicate most of this quarter’s survey to examining how Mississippians are responding to the pandemic,” said Dr. Nathan R. Shrader, chair of the Millsaps College Department of Government and Politics and director of the American Studies program in a release. “On the whole, we have found our fellow citizens are deeply troubled, and we are hopeful Mississippi’s policymakers will benefit from understanding the pandemic’s effect on the Magnolia State and her people.”

Read the full survey.