Survey: Half of Latvia's population thinks COVID-19 was made in a lab

Take note – story published 3 years ago

Half of Latvia's residents think that COVID-19 has been artificially created in a laboratory, according to survey data conducted by the research agency SKDS, LETA said October 15.

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.

Seen a mistake?

Select text and press Ctrl+Enter to send a suggested correction to the editor

Select text and press Report a mistake to send a suggested correction to the editor

Related articles

More

Most important