The top priorities for Americans when lockdown measures are eased is being allowed to gather in homes and churches, according to a survey. 

In the poll of 1,200 Americans, half said that when the US begins to re-open, the first thing they want to be allowed to do is meet in small groups in someone's home. 

This was followed by over a third (35%) saying that churches and religious gatherings should be allowed to take place as soon as the lockdown ends. 

Republicans (47%) were far more likely than Democrats (29%) to say that churches and religious services should re-open immediately. 

Over a third of respondents (35%) said they wanted to see retail stores re-open quickly, surpassing those who said that opening up schools again should be a top priority (31%). 

Less of a priority for respondents was re-opening bars and restaurants (21%) and resuming major sporting events and stadium concerts (14%). 

"These results suggest that voters are interested in the broader questions of reopening society, rather than narrow concerns about the economy," said public opinion pollster Scott Rasmussen, who carried out the survey.