Most of Russians are afraid of getting infected with the coronavirus (among them, 82% of Muscovites and 79% of Petersburgians).
MOSCOW, April 20, 2020. Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VCIOM) presents the survey data describing the Russian fears and awareness of the coronavirus situation.
An overwhelming majority of Russians report that there is enough information about the COVID-19 situation, modes of transmission and preventive measures (86%). As before, one in ten Russians say the information is not sufficient (11%). This share has not changed since April 2 (within the margin of error).
Most of Russians (77%) are afraid of being infected with the coronavirus. Of them, 55% say they are somewhat afraid; 22% are extremely afraid. One in ten respondents believe that nothing will happen to them or their family (10%). Twelve percent of Russians have not pondered over it yet.
As to metropolitan residents, the shares of those who are afraid are 82% (Moscow) and 79% (St Petersburg). The percentages of those who are somewhat afraid are higher in these cities than across Russia (64% in Moscow and St Petersburg (each) vs 55% across Russia).
Every fifth Russians considers the likelihood of being infected is high (17%). Twenty-eight percent of Russians point to low likelihood. Half of Russians cannot give an answer (55%).
Russian VCIOM-Sputnik survey was conducted on April 16, 2020. Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,600 Russians aged 18 and older. A stratified dual-frame random sample based on a complete list of Russian landline and mobile phone numbers is used. The data were weighted according to selection probability and social and demographic characteristics. The margin of error at a 95% confidence level does not exceed 2.5%. In addition to sampling error, minor changes in question wording and different circumstances arising during the fieldwork can introduce bias into the survey.
Are you currently afraid that you or your family can be infected with the COVID-19? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |
| % of total respondents |
Very afraid | 22 |
Somewhat afraid | 55 |
I am confident that nothing will happen to me or my family | 10 |
I have not thought about it | 12 |
I/my family have already gone through this disease* | 1 |
Don’t know | 0 |
* This answer option has been proposed since April 16.
Are you currently afraid that you or your family can be infected with the COVID-19? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
| Moscow | St Petersburg |
Very afraid | 18 | 15 |
Somewhat afraid | 64 | 64 |
I am confident that nothing will happen to me or my family | 10 | 9 |
I have not thought about it | 7 | 9 |
I/my family have already gone through this disease* | 0 | 1 |
Don’t know | 2 | 2 |
* This answer option has been proposed since April 16.
In your opinion, what is the probability of getting infected with the coronavirus: “high probability”, low probability” or “don’t know”? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | |
| % of total respondents |
High probability | 17 |
Low probability | 28 |
I cannot assess it / Don’t know | 55 |
Do you think there is enough/not enough information about the coronavirus situation in the world, modes of the virus transmission and measures to prevent the spread of the virus? (closed-ended question, one answer, % of total respondents) | ||
| Apr.02 | Apr.16 |
Likely enough | 88 | 86 |
Likely not enough | 10 | 11 |
Don’t know | 2 | 3 |
Note: Using materials from the site www.wciom.ru or wciom.com, as well as distributed by VCIOM, the reference to the source (or hyperlink for the electronic media) is obligatory.