COVID NIHILISM IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

Significance. Emergence of such phenomenon as "COVID nihilism" and "COVID dissidents" can’t stop the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the study is to review factors determining COVID nihilism in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in the world and in Russia. Material and methods. The information base of the study included publications in periodicals and the Internet, statistical materials of the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU), YandexCoronavirus. Statistics and methods: general logical, analytical, statistical analysis and empirical research. Results. The main reasons for COVID nihilism and opposition to vaccine and mask mandates included imposition of freedom, independence of one's own body, belief in conspiracy theories, and concern about the side effects of masks and vaccines. The Internet activity to sabotage anti-COVID measures in the Russian Federation is rather pronounced, yet it failed to result in any riots and pogroms, unlike the EU countries. The share of people vaccinated against COVID-19 in the Russian Federation is twice lower compared to China, for example, due to citizens' concerns about the need for vaccination and fear due to the low level of virology literacy among the population. The main barriers to stop the pandemic are disbelief that the pathogen SARS-CoV-2 exists, disbelief that masks protect against infection and microdroplets containing viral particles, improper face mask wearing (inside out), violation of social distance, misinformation on the virus prevention and spread, anti-vaccine attitude due to misunderstanding of the process of vaccine development and action, social instability and mistrust in the authorities. Consequences of the ongoing pandemic include burden on healthcare system, excess mortality and post-COVID complications affecting quality of life of the entire population and duration of a healthy life. Under-examination and care deficiency, shortage of personnel, and care facility repurposing result in higher mortality from causes not associated with the COVID-19 infection.