Guidelines to Prevent the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Spreading and Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) in Phetchaburi Province

Abstract

This research used a mixed method, with the aims to 1) study the level of knowledge, practices and expectations for preventive measures of Covid 19, and 2) creating guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 along with other emerging infectious diseases in Phetchaburi Province, Thailand. The research sample of 400 respondents comprised the people who have lived in Phetchaburi province for at least six months, and used multi stage sampling. The researchers completed the study using a level of knowledge and practice for preventive measures of COVID-19 spreading questionnaire at a confidence level of 0.85 and 0.89 respectively. The data was statistically analyzed using percentages, means, and standard deviations. The qualitative research used in-depth structured interviews with 40 key informants from purposive sampling and content analysis. The results showed that the sample group had a good level of knowledge and had implemented preventive measures regularly. The expectation of the sample group: first, government should buy effective vaccines for wide-spread injections of the population every year. Secondly, government should supply inexpensive masks, alcohol gel and antigen test kits (ATK) to the general population; thirdly, this program should include the distribution of masks, alcohol gel and antigen test kit (ATK) to every household in lockdown areas. Researchers proposed eight guidelines to prevent COVID-19 spreading: 1) Take lessons from established preventative practices; 2) Develop an integrated action plan for all sectors; 3) Integrate communications; 4) Build a collaborative network; 5) Establish a safety working group; 6) Organize a project to raise awareness of social responsibility; 7) Establish volunteer teams; and 8) Create an accurate database linkage system that provides the capability to respond immediately. The proposed approach will play a role in resolving the problem to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases effectively. The governor of Phetchaburi Province should play a role as a chief coordinator, using the information learned from the lessons, to formulate policies and strategies to prevent future outbreaks, as well as create an incentive mechanism to stimulate government agencies, private sector and local residents to work together.