Awareness of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 and adherence to the standard operating procedures in schools in Ibanda town and surrounding communities

Abstract

This study was carried out to establish the level of awareness and adherence towards Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in secondary schools and surrounding communities in Ibanda district. 150 respondents were selected, among those; 70 were from the surrounding communities, 70 were secondary school learners, and 10 were secondary school administrators, 8 secondary schools were selected for the study. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and observations sheets. This study sought to examine the following objectives; to establish the level of awareness of the people in Ibanda District about SARS-CoV2, to establish the avenues through which the people in Ibanda District acquire awareness about SARS-CoV2, and to establish the effectiveness of the strategies put forward to stop the spread of SARS-CoV2 in Ibanda District. The aim of the study was to establish the level of awareness of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 among people in Ibanda District. This study will help common men to understand the intensity of infection and its symptoms and precaution. The study has shown that the level of awareness in Ibanda District about Covid 19, is very high due to the fact that they well know how it spreads, its signs and symptoms, and how it can be controlled. This has been made possible by mainly radios, televisions, newspapers, posters, and village local health workers. Due to this awareness, many of the people in Ibanda District had ensured that they adhere the standard operating procedures of controlling Covid 19 in their area. More than 50% of the residents still regularly wash their hands, at least put on a mask when they are in public. Also schools have ensured that they purchase temperature guns, water and soap or sanitizers to ensure that their students are kept safe.