However, the split among those who
believe in the severity of the virus and trust corresponding news coverage falls along partisan lines
. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Republicans say that the extent of the outbreak has been exaggerated, compared with only 47% who held that view in late April. The number of Democrats who believe that information about the virus is overhyped only went up by 4%, from 14% to 18%.
Respondents also reported increased confusion about COVID-19 news coverage, saying that it’s steadily become more difficult to discern between accurate and inaccurate reporting and information. Republicans make up a greater share of those reporting confusion (47%), although close to one-third (31%) of Democrats also report confusion.