Model development of COVID-19 Factory prevention and control in Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya Province

Abstract

This action research aims to study the context and the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak in industrial establishments in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province and to develop prototype industrial establishments for COVID-19 prevention and control appropriate to the context. The study is divided into 4 phases: 1) Study of the context and the situation of the COVID-19 outbreak in industrial establishments. 2) Development of prototype industrial establishments. 3) Evaluation of outcomes.4) Lessons learned and result expansion. The study period spans from June 2564 to September 2565. The sample group consists of 30 individuals, including managers, security personnel, and large-scale industrial establishment disease prevention and control committee members, who volunteered to participate in the project. Data were collected from documents, meeting reports, inspections, and presentations of industrial establishments. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, presented as percentages and ratios, while qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The study found that in large-scale industrial establishments, the illness rate among employees was 69.7% in July 2564, with a 3.9 times increase compared to the previous month. Most industrial establishments lacked accommodation for employees, who commuted daily by shuttle bus. The outbreaks occurred due to collective work and commuting in closed groups. Some establishments reported slow disease spread. Closure of industrial establishments to control the disease resulted in increased outbreaks in families and communities. The developed prototype industrial establishments were the result of collaborative efforts, involving stakeholders, with six components of practice: 1) Development and rehearsal of business continuity management plans, 2) Guidelines for new employee reception, 3) Strict implementation of D-M-H-T-T-A measures (Distance, Mask, Hand washing, Temperature check, Testing, Application of Thai Chana platform), 4) Care for infected employees, 5) Mental health care for employees, and 6) Three options of Bubble and Seal method: staying in the establishment, providing accommodation, or staying at home. After implementation, no group outbreaks occurred, and no business closures were necessary. Subsequently, the spread in communities slowed down. These models can be applied to prevent the spread of other respiratory infectious diseases.