Implementation of National Health Protocols During The New Normal Era of COVID-19 Pandemic In Polewali City: A Descriptive Study

COVID-19 HEALTH PROTOCOL IMPLEMENTATION IN POLEWALI CITY

Abstract

Introduction: Coronavirus is an RNA virus that mainly affects the respiratory system in humans. The standard guidelines for preventing the virus transmission include frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, practising proper coughing and sneezing etiquette, and avoiding close contact with those coughing or sneezing. It is believed that implementing clean and healthy living behaviours in line with WHO recommendations and ensuring public compliance with appropriate health regulations can break the chain of COVID-19 transmission. 

Purpose: This study aims to describe the implementation of national health protocols by Polewali's citizens, especially in the Pekkabata Health Center area. 

Method: This is an observational study that used a cross-sectional design. Interviews and monitoring were conducted at the Pekkabata Health Center from August to October 2020. The data-gathering process included the following:

• Documenting respondents' entire medical record status and their history of adhering to health procedures like wearing masks.
• Routinely washing hands.
• Keeping a safe distance. 

Results: The findings show that 52% of people always use masks, 46% sometimes use masks, and 2% never use masks. As many as 40% of people always wash their hands, and 60% wash their hands sometimes. In addition, 32% of people do physical distancing, 65% of people sometimes do physical distancing, and 3% never do physical distancing. 

Conclusion: Health protocols were implemented under government recommendations during the early days of the new normal in Polewali, although the health promotion, prevention, and handling of COVID-19 still need to be improved to help reduce the number of COVID-19 transmissions.