WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Since news of the novel coronavirus first broke in the U.S., Americans have received conflicting opinions about the efficacy of face masks in containing the spread of the disease.
However, as federal, state and local authorities have increasingly advised -- and in some cases mandated -- the use of face masks in public when social distancing is not possible, Americans have quickly adopted the guidelines.The Centers for Disease Control officially recommended the use of face masks in public places on April 3.
Gallup polling since April 7 finds the percentage of Americans who report that they have worn a mask on their face outside of their homes has increased from 38% to 62% in just one week.