Levada Center: Three-quarters of Russians oppose QR-code vaccine passport requirements for accessing public transport

Three-quarters (76%) of Russian residents have a “negative” or “rather negative” attitude toward the prospect of the country introducing QR-code vaccine passport prerequisites for accessing public transportation, according to a new opinion poll from the independent Levada Center.

Only a fifth of respondents (21 percent) felt “positively” or “rather positively” about this initiative.

In addition, 67 percent of respondents opposed the introduction of QR code requirements for accessing public places. Only 30 percent supported the measure.

Half of respondents (51%) said they consider mass protests against the introduction of QR codes unlikely in their area. Another 43 percent believe mass protests are possible. However, only 25 percent of respondents said they could take part in such demonstrations.

Regarding mandatory vaccination against COVID-19, 42 percent of survey respondents were in favor and 54 percent were opposed.

According to the Levada Center’s findings, 37 percent of those who don’t support mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 believe that it “should be voluntary; is a personal matter for each person; [and that] mandatory vaccination is a human rights violation.” Another 21 percent said they don’t trust the vaccine because it’s “new and unstudied.”

• In November, the Russian Cabinet put forward controversial draft legislation that would make QR-code vaccine passports mandatory for accessing many public places and intercity transit across the country. The State Duma is set to consider the bills in mid-December.