Mass information on Covid-19 has circulated in various mass and social media which can often makes people confused because it is often conflicting. In fact, in the midst of the current global pandemic, there are still many people who do not have access to a reliable source of information, let alone a source that is easily understandable. To facilitate the proper delivery of information about Covid-19, Gadjah Mada University has compiled a digital pocket book on preventing Covid-19. “We made this digital pocket book so that every family has adequate information and knowledge to prevent Covid-19 and does not become overly confused or panicked about the current situation,” said dr. Riris Andono Ahmad, a member of the team that compiled the digital pocket book, Friday (16/4).
He said the pocket book was compiled by the Center for Tropical Medicine (Pusat Kedokteran Tropis/PKT) in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. The 29-page digital book was made in less than a week, compiled from various compilations of PKT educational materials to prevent the spread of Covid-19 outbreak. “We are also currently translating the book into various regional languages in Indonesia. To translate the language, we are assisted by volunteers who are speakers of local languages,” he said.
This pocket book was made in digital form to facilitate the distribution of the book to the public so that everyone is allowed to send via chain message networks. “We designed it in the form of a digital book. However, we encourage all parties to use the book or to print it, if they wish to do so,” he said.
According to him, the distribution of these pocket books currently relies on social media, especially the WhatsApp group network. “We consider this distribution channel quite effective in distributing the book. It is proven that until now there have been many requests and offers to translate into various regional languages,” he said.
This digital pocket book on preventing Covid-19 has received a positive response from the public. According to Riris, there are many requests for these pocket books to be translated into local languages. “We plan to translate to at least 10 regional languages with the most speakers in Indonesia,” he said.
However, his team will still make updates to the pocket book, considering the method of controlling this virus continues to change because of the fact that this virus has a genetic mutation. “This virus is a new disease, scientists, experts do not completely understand how to control this disease. Many new things are discovered every day. Some of these new findings can cause confusion if they are not communicated properly and correctly to the public. To accomodate that, we have designed this book to be regularly revised and updated,” he said.
In connection with the incidents where residents refused the burial process of the bodies of Covid-19 patients or took action by closing road access and incidentally gathering many residents, these measures can actually increase the risk of transmission. According to him, this happened because many people did not have adequate information. “We hope that this pocket book can provide adequate and comprehensive information about this Covid problem,” he said.
This 29-page digital booklet on preventing Covid-19 contains an introduction to the Covid-19 virus, ways of transmission; signs and symptoms; how to prevent it; who is most vulnerable; recognizing OTG, ODP and PDP (suspected/asymptomatic/symptomatic cases); how to wash our hands; social distancing; quarantine and self-isolation; and Covid funeral and disinfecting procedures.
Source: https://ugm.ac.id/id/berita/19300-ugm-bagikan-buku-saku-digital-cegah-covid-19
