What is the Zencity data telling us?
Mask-related discourse generated nearly 10 million online resident interactions since the beginning of May across the Zencity Network of 150 US cities and counties. A spike in conversation took place during the second half of June, as reopening plans and state and local mask mandates came into effect. In the Mountain Plains Region this accounted for nearly 25% of the total resident discourse. Residents mostly discuss masks in the context of retail and restaurants, followed by conversations related to events and open spaces.
Diving into city-specific data reveals the different concerns residents are voicing when opposing masks regulations, these include – infringement of rights, medical exemptions and lack of evidence that masks help slow and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Zencity’s data also shows that while enforcement can be a sensitive issue, local authorities can increase positive sentiment and compliance by sharing short, informative and creative messaging about masks, supported by data and scientific evidence of their effectiveness.
For a detailed breakdown of mask-related discourse in your city or county sign into your Zencity Dashboard or schedule a call to learn more.