Fewer Americans said they believe the pandemic is getting better as new coronavirus infections remain elevated at over 100,000 on average each day.

Americans are growing more pessimistic about COVID-19, according to a new survey.

A poll from Gallup published Thursday found that the number of Americans who feel optimistic about the pandemic has starkly dropped since spring. Just 41% of U.S. adults said the COVID-19 situation is getting better, which is a significant drop from late April and May when 63% of adults agreed with the statement.

The percentage of Americans who said the situation is getting worse increased from 15% in the spring to 30% in the latest survey. People who believe the situation is staying the same increased from 21% to 29% over the same period.

According to the poll, the decline in optimism was reported across all political parties.

The previous survey was conducted in late April and early May when new coronavirus infections averaged over 50,000 each day. The latest survey was conducted in late July and early August, when daily coronavirus cases averaged about 120,000 per day.
New daily infections currently remain above 100,000 while hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 appear to have plateaued at around 6,100 and 400 each day, respectively.

Despite the elevated figures, the poll found that the number of Americans who reported wearing a mask outside their home in the past week dipped to 47%, which is a record low.

This comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the majority of Americans wear masks while indoors in public spaces.

Additionally, the poll signaled that the country’s optimism might not return anytime soon, as most Americans said they think coronavirus cases will increase going into the fall and winter months. About 66% of respondents said infections will increase a great deal or a moderate amount.

Federal officials have warned that infections in the fall and winter could potentially top 100 million.