Safety perceptions at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland

Motives: The pandemic situation created unique opportunity to undertake research in the context of the changed living conditions of the population. Aim: The main purpose is to assess broadly understood safety perceptions at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland. The key research tool used was a survey questionnaire (270 respondents), complemented by observations in Poznań (Poland) and photographic documentation. Hometown was chosen due to imposed restrictions on movement. Results: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed people’s life in many aspects and therefore affected perceived safety. Level of fear of the pandemic was varied and so was keeping up to date with information about the pandemic outcomes. Before the pandemic people felt safer in the analysed various places. Implication of the pandemic for everyday behaviour was significant, resulting e.g. in leaving home when it is absolutely necessary, working from home. Most of the imposed restrictions were rated positively.