question: We investigate the effect of standardized mathematics scores for young adults on the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States. We find that a one grade level increase in test scores led to a decrease in COVID-19 cases 30, 60, and 90 days after the first case in each county. Our findings suggest that if states and localities implement policies that increase the level of education and comprehension of mathematics at the K-12 level, that people may be better prepared to find and interpret information in a future public health crisis.