Poll: Despite Businesses Reopening, Oklahomans To Be Cautious

Most Oklahomans will be cautious about returning to pre-pandemic behavior, according to an exclusive News 9 poll about Oklahoma's response to COVID-19.

The poll was conducted by SoonerPoll for News 9 from April 22 to 27 and the sampled 600 residents in the News 9 viewing area.

Nearly half of those surveyed said they would be going out less than before the pandemic, at least until a vaccine or other medicines to fight coronavirus are identified. Of those who said they'd return to life as normal, 18% said they would don a mask or other protective gear; 21.5% will resume pre-pandemic behavior.

Only 4.5% of those asked said they wouldn't be leaving the house at all.

But what happens if officials tell the public that they must wear a mask or other protective gear in public? Most Oklahomans surveyed in the News 9 poll said they would wear protection with no problems: 59%. Another 21.1% said they would wear the mask or protective gear but not be happy about it, and another 19.2% said the mandate might cause them to go out less often.

These responses are reflected in a question asked about the seriousness of COVID-19: "At this point, which is more harmful to you and your family?"

The coronavirus and the pandemic?

The restrictions placed on us to not work, shop or travel

Of those surveyed, 70.6% said the virus itself was more harmful, while 29.4% cited restrictions.

The margin of error for News 9’s exclusive poll is +/- 4%.