COVID-19: Prevention under Environmental Health Perspective

Abstract

A newly discovered coronavirus (COVID-19) is harmful to the human respiratory system and can spread from human to human. Prevention of infection and spreading of the infection are based on environmental health principles consisting of (1) food safety and sanitation especially personal hygiene of the food handlers, cleanliness of the food and the cooking-selling place; (2) market sanitation focusing on internal management; (3) solid waste management; and (4) sanitation of building and facilities especially air ventilation. This principle can be applied appropriately according to the type of public places that is at risk of spreading of the infection such as public transport systems, restaurants, markets, and department stores, etc. By analyzing of the guidelines for the implementation measures to prevent the spread of disease in Thailand, it is found that we still experiencing problems in the operation relating to environmental health factors. This article proposes a model of environmental health protection which can be an important part to enhance the compliance to the public health measures. This model consists of awareness raising of personal hygiene for people and entrepreneurs, solid waste management resulting from the use of cleaning or disinfecting chemicals and personal protective equipment used, and improvement of ventilation in various types of buildings. It is also covered the supervision of government agencies on market sanitation, food safety and sanitation. If these elements have been effectively developed and improved, it will definitely help Thailand in the prevention and control of respiratory infections.