65% Of Americans Agree Trump Could've Avoided Getting Coronavirus, Reuters Poll Reveals

A new Reuters/Ipsos public poll released Sunday found that a solid majority of Americans said they believe President Donald Trump could have avoided a coronavirus infection if he had taken the virus more seriously.

According to the Oct. 2-3 national opinion survey, over 94% of Americans were aware of the news that the president has tested positive for COVID-19. Nearly two-thirds (65%) said they believe Trump would not have fallen ill had he taken the impact of the virus more seriously.

The poll also asked a pool of respondents — made up of registered and likely voters — whether they believe the president's diagnosis. Only 63% percent said they think Trump actually has coronavirus. A quarter of all respondents were unsure while 12% said they do not believe it.

The president was transferred to Walter Reed National Medical Center on Friday hours after he announced that he and first lady Melania Trump had tested positive for the virus.

Most Americans (76% of respondents) remain worried about the coronavirus pandemic, which is still spreading across the nation, and 57% disapprove of the Trump administration's handling of the crisis.

On the campaign front, the poll showed that former Vice President Joe Biden holds a 10-point lead over Trump among adults who are expected to vote in the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Fifty-one percent said they were casting a ballot for Biden, while 41% planned to support Trump. Four percent said they were choosing a third-party candidate, and another 4% said they have yet to decide.

However, 67% of Americans said they were supportive of curtailing this year's presidential race to ensure the people's safety, Reuters reported. Sixty-seven percent of respondents want to stop in-person campaign rallies, and 59% think the presidential debates should be put on hold until Trump makes a full recovery.

It is still unclear how the president's health will impact the second presidential debate, which is scheduled to be held Oct. 15. The Biden campaign said Sunday that it is willing to move forward with the upcoming debate, according to ABC News.

"Our hope is that the debate will go forward on the day that it's scheduled, but obviously we will be attuned to any changes that need to be made," Kate Bedingfield, deputy campaign manager for the Democratic presidential nominee, said.