More than half of Russians believe there is no new wave of the coronavirus epidemic approaching in their country. This finding comes from a study conducted by IC Rosgosstrakh and Otkritie Bank, with results summarized by socialbites.ca. The survey reflects how people perceive ongoing health risks and how confident they feel about the current state of the pandemic.
At the same time, about a quarter of respondents think a fresh wave has begun in Russia, with 20% answering yes with some doubt and 6% answering definitely yes. In the Central Federal District the share reaching this conclusion rose to 29%, while the Far East registered 19%. A majority, 54%, believed the opposite, including 34% who answered no and 20% who were confident there would be no new wave. The Urals region showed the strongest concern among major areas at 61%, while the North Caucasus remained comparatively lower at 47%. About 20% of participants found it hard to answer this question.
When asked about the possibility of reintroducing restrictions due to rising Covid-19 cases in Russia, 15% favored restoring social distancing in public spaces. Eighteen percent supported the return of mask requirements in hospitals, and 16% favored mask use in all public institutions and transportation. Twelve percent preferred bringing back remote work and online learning. Five percent overall supported declaring a new quarantine, with higher support in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region at 9% and lower support in the Southern Federal District at 2%. Meanwhile, 56% believed that no restrictions were needed because COVID-19 is no longer dangerous, with regional variation showing 62% in the Far East and 47% in Moscow and the Moscow region.
Vaccination intentions show 24% of Russians considering getting the coronavirus vaccine, with 17% leaning toward yes and 7% toward definitely yes. The Urals saw the strongest inclination to vaccinate at 28%, while Siberia reported the lowest interest at 18%. An additional 4% had recently received a vaccination. Notably, 33% stated they had received the COVID-19 vaccine during the last outbreak but would not get it again. A substantial 39% reported never having been vaccinated and not planning to get vaccinated, with regional differences such as 46% in the Far East and 34% in the Southern Federal District Costa Rica. The data also captures a cautious stance on vaccination among some groups, reflecting diverse attitudes toward immunization in different regions.
Previously, the World Health Organization urged vaccination due to the ongoing threats from COVID-19 and influenza. This reminder underlines the importance many health authorities place on maintaining protection through vaccines, especially in regions experiencing fluctuating infection rates and changing public health measures. The study details underscore how public sentiment can shape policy discussions, particularly in large and geographically diverse nations like Russia, and how attitudes toward vaccination and restrictions continue to evolve in tandem with epidemiological trends.