Stunning 84% of voters want temperature checks of all entering US and quarantining those with fever

An overwhelming 84% of Americans say customs officials should take the temperature of everyone trying to enter the country and quarantine those with a fever, compared to just 6% opposed, according to the latest Just the News Daily Poll with Scott Rasmussen.

As President Trump and U.S. governors implement a plan to re-open the United States after the coronavirus crisis passes, the temperature surveillance method has broad support across all political parties, ideologies and races. 

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Just the News Daily Poll

With Scott Rasmussen

The survey found 90% of Republicans, 84% of Democrats and 79% of Independents support the border and customs temperature checks and quarantines.

"Most Americans believe we have the right to secure our borders," Rasmussen said. "Taking the temperature of those who want to cross the border seems like a common sense approach to protecting our nation from infectious disease."

A vocal supporter of reducing illegal immigration and strong border control, Trump has seen some of his immigration policies put on hold during the coronavirus crisis. However, the new Just the News survey data shows Americans widely support this new method of border security to slow the spread of the virus.

"This support likely stems from a combination of factors," Rasmussen said. "It's not an invasive procedure or requirement. And it's being asked of people seeking permission to enter our country. On top of that, it's directly related to the issues at hand – the coronavirus was spread by travelers." 

Just the News on Wednesday released a Rasmussen poll showing that by a 47% to 40% margin, Americans oppose requiring everyone to take a coronavirus blood test and some people to wear an electronic ankle bracelet. This much closer split about voters' feelings about these more invasive coronavirus surveillance and mitigation measures, which could apply to residents already in the U.S, isn't surprising, Rasmussen says. 

"While voters are understandably divided about mandatory testing and ankle bracelets," he noted, "The contrasting numbers tell the story."

Respondents were asked "Should customs officials take the temperature of everyone who wants to enter the US and quarantine those with a fever?" They replied as below:

• 84% Yes
• 6% No
• 10% Not Sure

The national survey of 1,200 registered voters was conducted April 9-11, 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: