In October this year, residents were asked to assess a number of versions that have been made public in connection with COVID-19's origin.
50% of those surveyed were inclined to think that COVID-19 was probably artificially created in a laboratory. The representation of such a position is common in all age groups, but it is more common among people aged 55 to 63.
Photo: SKDS
This response is more common in people with lower levels of education, but also 44% of those with higher education consider that a laboratory is likely the source of COVID-19.
Almost a third of the population thinks that COVID-19 has occurred naturally - for example, that it could be a virus of bats, pangolins, or other living creatures, which, due to unfortunate circumstances, has been transmitted to humans.
50% of those aged 18-24 agreed with this version. Students, as well as those living in Rīga, expressed such views more commonly.
6% of those surveyed agreed with neither of these versions, while another 14% were unable to give a specific view on the matter.
The precise origin of the virus remains a matter for scientific examination as no precise account of its origin has yet been established.