B a c k g r o u n d: During COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to collect and analyze data concerning management of hospitals and wards to work out solutions for potential future crisis. The objective of the study was to investigate how surgical wards in Poland are managing during rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic.
M e t h o d s: An anonymous, online survey was designed and distributed to surgeons and surgery residents working in surgical departments during pandemic. Responders were divided into two groups: Group 1 (responders working in a “COVID-19-dedicated” hospital) and Group 2 (responders working in other hospitals).
R e s u l t s: Overall, 323 responders were included in the study group, 30.03% of which were female. Medical staff deficits were reported by 21.15% responders from Group 1 and 29.52% responders from Group 2 (p = 0.003). The mean number of elective surgeries performed weekly prior to the pandemic in Group 1 was 40.37 ± 46.31 and during the pandemic was 13.98 ± 37.49 (p <0.001). In Group 2, the mean number of elective surgeries performed weekly before the start of the pandemic was 26.85 ± 23.52 and after the start of the pandemic, it was 7.65 ± 13.49 (p <0.001). There were significantly higher reported levels of preparedness in Group 1 in terms of: theoretical training of the staff, equipping the staff and adapting the operating theater to safely perform procedures on patients with COVID-19. Overall, 62.23% of responders presume being infected with SARS-CoV-2.
C o n c l u s i o n s: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significantly negative impact on surgical wards. Despite the preparations, the number of responders who presume being infected with SARS-CoV-2 during present crisis is high.

Since March 11, 2020, the global community has faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, numerous countries, including the Republic of Lithuania, mandated the wearing of face masks to curb the virus’s spread. Yet, a section of the Lithuanian populace resisted this move, voicing concerns about the inconvenience of mask-wearing and potential privacy infringements. These concerns endured, even amidst debates on the masks’ effectiveness. This article explores how the Lithuanian public responded to mask-wearing protocols during the pandemic. Survey analysis highlighted a troubling trend: many individuals dispose of face masks with their regular trash, often without proper packaging. Most masks are sourced from pharmacies or are provided by employers and are typically thrown away after just one day of use. The data underscores a significant knowledge gap in correct mask disposal, as a significant portion ends up mingled with general household waste, without proper containment. Moreover, many people keep used masks in pockets or bags. Notably, during the pandemic, an estimated 2 mln adult Lithuanians may have generated roughly 15.24 Mg of hazardous plastic waste through mask disposal.