Most voters say keeping subway open during coronavirus more dangerous than re-opening beaches

Most American voters say keeping the New York City subway open during the coronavirus is more risky than re-opening Florida beaches, according to the Just the News Daily Poll with Scott Rasmussen.

Fifty-one percent (51%) of voters believe the decision of New York officials to keep subways open and running 24 hours a day throughout the pandemic was more dangerous than the decision of Florida officials to recently re-open some beaches. However, 30% take the opposite view and think opening beaches was more dangerous. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure.

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Just the News Daily Poll

With Scott Rasmussen

"Once again, it’s clear that the question has tapped into newly created symbolism," Rasmussen said. "Republicans, by a 66% to 17% margin, believe that the New York subway decision was worse. Independents agree by a 48% to 24% margin. Democrats, on the other hand, are fairly evenly divided. Forty-five percent (45%) say Florida took the more dangerous route while 39% point to New York."

(New York during the polling, from May 7 to 9, suspended subway service from 1 a.m. until 5 a.m. to disinfect cars.)

Rasmussen said one factor influencing these results may stem from the fact that New York has a Democratic governor while Florida has a Republican in the governor’s mansion.

"However, it’s probably more than that," he said. "And, for most people – especially partisans – it probably has little to do with a careful consideration of the health implications. Instead, the actions are measured by what they seemed to represent. Florida’s decision to partially re-open the beaches was widely reported as a symbolic step toward ending the lockdowns. Since Democrats are far more likely to support extending the lockdowns, the symbolic re-opening was seen as dangerous to many. On the other hand, Republicans are more interested in easing the restrictions and re-opening society. For them, the symbolism of re-opening a beach was a cause for celebration."

Just the News Daily Poll respondents were asked “Which was more dangerous – the decision of Florida officials to recently re-open some beaches or the decision of New York officials to keep subways open and running 24 hours a day throughout the pandemic?" They replied as below:

• 30% Florida’s decision to open some beaches
• 51% New York’s decision to keep subways open and running
• 20% Not Sure

The national survey of 1,200 registered voters was conducted May 7-9, 2020 by Rasmussen, a polling veteran. Margin of sampling error: +/- 2.8% for full sample. 

To see the full demographic cross-tabulations for this polling question, click below:

To see the methodology and sample demographics for this polling question, click below: