Impact of COVID-19 on Human Security (I): Lithuanian Population Survey, December 2020

People were asked to assess whether they have full freedom of choice and decide for themselves how to live their lives or whether in life there is little that depends on them, and whether it is people’s responsibility to look after their own well-being or is it the state that has to look after their well-being. They were asked if, while thinking about the future, they feel anxious about the fate of one’s self, their loved ones, the state of Lithuania, and the whole world.

They were asked how important world problems are for Lithuania (military conflicts beyond the EU borders - 4 choices in total). Asked how they feel about the risk of contracting COVID-19 personally. Respondents were asked when the coronavirus pandemic will end and whether they would agree with a mandatory coronavirus vaccination.

Opinions were analysed on whether it would be possible to travel abroad as easily next summer (2021) as it was possible before the coronavirus pandemic. Respondents were asked what they envisioned as their holiday destination for next summer and whether they would agree with having a mandatory mobile phone app which accurately tracks the movements of all Lithuanian citizens. Next, a group of statements was given for the assessment (there is no COVID-19 virus, most likely, there are flaws in the democratic system, but such a system is better than other forms of government - 5 choices in total).

The respondents assessed whether Russia, the Belarusian regime and refugees from Asia and Africa are a threat to Lithuania's security. They were asked whether they would accept tackling the coronavirus pandemic more effectively by having the surveillance and filming equipment installed in all public spaces; having travel abroad banned for Lithuanian citizens; the arrival to Lithuania banned for foreigners; the freedom of the press restricted, while the personal health data would be open to access.

Continuing on the same topic of tackling the coronavirus pandemic more effectively, there were questions about whether the public would agree to all schools being closed for an academic year until the summer holidays and that pupils would start remote learning; primary school pupils would be taught at school for the academic year until the summer holidays and all other older pupils would be taught remotely; all employees whose work can be done remotely would work from home until the summer; all shops and supermarkets would be closed, leaving only grocery stores open, and, finally, there would be a one-month ban on leaving the house.

The survey went on to ask who was more responsible for preventing a second wave of the coronavirus pandemic from happening - the respondents personally or the government. There was a request to assess the statement that "it would be better to dismiss Seimas and elections, and have a strong leader who can quickly solve anything instead". People were asked whether in Lithuania, they would personally attend a protest, just like the ones that take place in various foreign countries that are against the restrictions on life restraints provided by governments because of the coronavirus epidemic.

It went on to assess respondents' trust in scientists, medical professionals and politicians, as well as in the actions of the Skvernelis-led government to control the coronavirus pandemic in Lithuania. They were asked whether they would get vaccinated once the coronavirus vaccine becomes available and had to state the purpose. They were asked whether they had to spend some time in self-isolation because of the pandemic and whether they would defend Lithuania if the nation was at war.

At the end of the survey, respondents were given the opportunity to indicate which political party's views they felt were closest to their own. Socio-demographic characteristics: health, average monthly family/household income, employment, gender, size of the place, age, marital status, education, household size, age of children, square metres of the apartment.