UNAIR NEWS – In Covid-19 pandemic situation, studies at higher education institutions are implemented online. Likewise in professional education for resident doctors (DM) at Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR). Although with its limitations, without meeting face to face and the position of students scattered in several areas, DM education at BKKM FK UNAIR has succeeded in making a recording intensively directed to the community in an effort to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
The recording is intended for visitors of traditional markets in Indonesia. It is called “Reminder of COVID-19 Response in Traditional Markets”. This recording, among others, have been played in traditional markets in Tuban. It is even offered to PD Pasar Surya Surabaya to be played in its managed markets in Surabaya.
According to the Head of the Department of Public Health Sciences – Preventive Medicine (IKMKP) and the BKKM Unit Dr. Sulistiawati, dr., Kes, as the supervisor of resident doctors BKKM FK UNAIR, students are expected to contribute to society even during online education, though in a pandemic situation with all limitations.
During her explanation yesterday, dr. Sulistiawati was also accompanied by Dr. Imam Susilo, dr., Sp.PA., as well as several resident doctors such as Winda W, S. Nurul J, Tamara A, Andy YW, Ahmad Z, Hapsari K, Mercy S, Edward R, and Marsheila H.
Intervention background
It was explained that traditional market as a public place is very potential for Covid-19 transmission. Since this pandemic has occurred in several regions in Indonesia, including in Surabaya, transmission clusters have been found in several markets, including traditional markets.
Traditional markets in several cities have been detected as clusters of coronavirus spread, including in Jakarta, Padang, Palangkaraya, Surabaya. And in Indonesia there are around 14,000 traditional markets.
Based on data from the Indonesian Market Traders Association (Ikappi), as of June 19, 2020 yesterday 701 confirmed cases of Covid-19 were found on the market. For this reason, several markets in the city of Surabaya were temporarily closed for 14 days after a trader was infected.
The cause of Covid-19 infection is Coronavirus. It has fast transmission from human to human, and is known as Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19). It has now spread to almost all countries, including Indonesia. As a result of this pandemic, several countries adopted a lockdown policy to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
In Indonesia, a Large-Scale Social Distancing (PSBB) policy was implemented to reduce the spread of the virus in public places, including traditional markets. Traditional market operations must follow the health protocol established by the Ministry of Home Affairs and or the Ministry of Health, regarding the prevention of Covid-19 transmission in public markets.
Explained by dr. Sulistiawati, before making the reminder intervention, FK UNAIR resident doctors had conducted an online survey to find out the Covid-19 response behavior by community in traditional markets. Thirty respondents in the online survey revelead that in public markets there are still some problems of disobeyed government’s health protocol.
Some of these problems include the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) was only 23 visitors (77%). The number of hand washing before and after entering the market area is also not optimal, only 70% (21 visitors), then 27 visitors (90%) in the application of physical distancing has not been optimal. This is because of the narrow market condition, as only 15 visitors (50%) who try to keep their distance from other visitors.
The results of this online survey are deemed subjective. It did not describe the whole thing that happened. Based on the problems found in the survey, DM FK UNAIR formed a plan / proposal for a community intervention program that could be carried out to prevent Covid-19 transmission in traditional markets.
Form of intervention
It was also explained, the first intervention proposal was in the form of playing a recording of Covid-19 transmission prevention and the use of PPE aimed at people who were involved in activities around the market. This intervention was designed using a sound system in the surrounding area and in the market.
The recording contained appeals and explanations to the public. The focus of the material is how to prevent the disease with use of PPE available in the community. This recording is played every day during the pandemic.
The recording uses 3 (three) languages, Indonesian, Javanese, and Madurese, based on the most ethnic groups in the Surabaya and East Java regions. The recording have also been given and played in traditional markets, including in Pasar Baru Tuban.
In addition to reminder that has been played in the markets, FK UNAIR resident doctors also have a proposal to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission in traditional markets by conducting online market activities. This proposal aims to reduce direct contact between seller and buyer.
“Proposing this online market cannot completely eliminate traditional markets, given the existence of various traders who are still experiencing difficulties in using technology, including smartphone ownership , internet access and usage skills,” added dr. Sulis.
Then to reduce the amount of interaction between people can be done with online media through social media programs or whatsapp that can be suggested by sellers in the market. They also make modules that can be read by sellers and buyers. This module contains how to package food (products) that will be sent to buyers safely and hygienically. This is to reduce the risk of transmission and how buyers should safely open the product after receiving the shipment.
Another intervention was proposed by empowering market managers as Covid-19 cadres in traditional markets. The aim of this intervention is to empower market managers to find people who can work as Covid-19 cadres. For example, attracting ticket attendants, transporters, and the community around the market to join. The formation of Covid-19 cadres is to remind the public, especially sellers and market visitors to comply with government regulations, such as the obligation to maintain health and personal hygiene and the market environment, must maintain hygienic merchandise, sellers and visitors must use PPE in the form of masks and gloves.
The fourth intervention proposal is a mobile car for education in areas outside the market. The aim is to remind the public about the dangers of Coronavirus and how to prevent it by using PPE (masks or gloves) before entering the market area. Wash your hands before and after shopping at the market, and reminding public to always maintain a safe distance between visitors as far as 1 meter minimum. Then the correct ethical rules when coughing or sneezing.
This mobile car can also provide education in markets in the sub-district area. The proposed interventions are expected to provide input to the government or relevant agencies. With mutual cooperation, all elements of our society must work together to overcome the spread of Covid 19. (*)
Editor : Bambang Bes
