Starting with May 1, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) continues to collect data for the Household Budget Survey, which now includes an additional module dedicated to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The additional questions were formulated in cooperation with UNDP Moldova and the World Bank, and the data is to be used to assess the impact of the crisis on the vulnerable groups of the population and the population as a whole.

Hence, the households included in the sample in the second quarter of 2020 will answer questions that will reflect:

• Consequences on health, economic activity and mobility;
• Difficulties in accessing health products or services;
• Consequences on the financial state of the household;
• Measures undertaken by the households to overcome financial difficulties;
• Difficulties in accessing distance education services;
• Difficulties related to distance education delivery.

Thus, the information collected through this module, combined with the data from the main survey, will be a source of statistical data of maximum relevance to the society, in the current context. These can be used to better understand the problems faced by the population, including different types of households.

All information collected from households covered by the survey is confidential and will only be used for statistical purposes. Survey results will be published on the official NBS webpage in the third quarter of 2020, in a generalized form.

Recently, UNDP started the process of assessing the socio-economic impact of COVID-19, to support the recovery of vulnerable groups and local businesses. The survey will be based on both statistical data and alternative evidence.

The assessment is prepared with national and international expertise, involving members of the working group on the socio-economic impact of COVID-19, led by UNDP on behalf of the UN Country Team and in partnership with business associations and private companies. The working group consists of UN entities and development partners, thus also ensuring a coordinated and synergistic approach.