The City of Hoboken today released the results of a survey regarding face mask usage. 3,661 people filled out a survey sent out to residents from the City in a 24 hour span between August 17 and 18, providing input on face masks and a potential ordinance currently before the City Council. According to the results of the survey, 51% of respondents indicated they agreed or strongly agreed with the implementation of an ordinance that allows for a $250 fine only in situations when social distancing is not possible.
70% of the “high risk” population including seniors or those with serious underlying medical conditions identified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated they would feel safer or much safer if a $250 fine was instituted. 62% of respondents indicated that they believed a $250 fine would make other people more likely to wear face masks, while 37% indicated that a $250 fine would make them more likely to wear a face mask outdoors.
Additional results of the survey include:
89% of residents said they agreed or strongly agreed that face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19, with 11% not sure or disagreed with the claim
64% of residents said they wore a face mask all or most of the time outdoors, 25% of residents said they wore a face mask some of the time outdoors and 11% of residents said they hardly ever or never wore face masks outdoors
66% of residents said they would feel safer or much safer if more people were wearing face masks, while 26% disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement that they'd feel safer if more people were wearing masks and 8% not sure.
15% of respondents indicated they were in the at-risk category identified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (549 total)
70% of the at-risk population said they would feel safer or much safer if a $250 fine was instituted, while 26% of the at-risk population said they wouldn't feel safer or wouldn't feel safer at all
51% agree or strongly agree with a fine of $250 for not wearing a face mask when social distancing is not possible, with 41% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing, and 8% not sure.
37% of residents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that a potential $250 fine would make them more likely to wear a face mask, with 39% of those answering saying they already wore face masks and 19% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing
62% of residents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that a potential $250 fine would make others more likely to wear a face masks, with 22% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing, and 16% not sure.
35% of respondents indicated support for the fine amount as $250, with 30% supporting a fine between $24 and $249, and 29% not supporting any fine amount
The Hoboken City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed ordinance with a potential $250 fine for not wearing a face mask when social distancing is not possible, on second and final reading tonight at 7:00 pm at the regularly scheduled City Council meeting, which will take place virtually.
For full results of the City’s face mask survey, click here.
