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How Bulgarians react to the coronavirus situation in the country: social survey

Photo: БГНЕС

A survey by Alpha Research agency registers a heightened level of information-seeking about coronavirus in the country, a moderate amount of anxiety over the situation and a positive evaluation of the measures taken by the authorities to contain the virus.

75% of people aged over 18 follow the reports of what is happening in Bulgaria on a daily basis, 19% - from time to time, and only 6% say they are not interested. The small number of coronavirus cases registered in Bulgaria so far to some extent relieve anxiety levels. After the confirmation that coronavirus has entered the country  the biggest share of respondents (55%) are concerned, 34% - not particularly worried, and 11% say they are very worried. There is an intriguing difference of attitude between the youngest and the oldest. 

Anxiety levels are highest among the youngest, though that does not necessarily mean they strictly follow the recommendations issued, whereas among the oldest, who are the highest-risk group, anxiety levels are lower. Experts say that this paradox is the result of their way of life. Anxiety among the young is nourished by the fact that they are among the people travelling and communicating with one another most actively, the relatively low levels of anxiety among the oldest people in the country is explained by their low mobility level.

The steps taken by the authorities to contain the coronavirus are given a positive evaluation. 67% of respondents say they are adequate to the situation, 19% say the measures should be stricter, and 14% - that some of the restrictions are unnecessary. Here too we see generation-based differences. The oldest and least worried respondents are expecting even stricter measures, the youngest and most worried respondents regard them as excessive, which is an indirect indication that, despite concerns, the youngest are hardly likely to change their way of life in any radical way.




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