scholarly journals A Report of the Questionnaire Survey on Awareness of COVID-19 and Shelters

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 747-764
Author(s):  
Arisa Yasui ◽  
Muneyoshi Numada ◽  
◽  
◽  

The 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, has rapidly spread across the world, and has since become not only a health problem but also a socioeconomic problem. In disaster-prone countries like Japan, there is substantial concern about the occurrence of natural disasters during the COVID-19 pandemic. When a natural disaster occurs, many people evacuate to shelters, and an outbreak of infectious disease often happens in shelters. In this situation, we should consider the management of evacuation shelters under this pandemic situation. Many types of research have investigated infectious diseases in shelters after a natural disaster. However, these are about infectious diseases after a disaster, and not about the occurrence of natural disasters under a pandemic like the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, such researches mainly focus on medical teams or local governments who respond to infectious diseases. Based on the above mentioned information, the purpose of this study is to clarify (i) the change in citizens’ awareness of risk influenced by the spread of COVID-19 and (ii) the measurement and decision necessary for evacuating people under COVID-19. We administered a questionnaire to Japanese citizens from April to May 2020, and found that majority of people do not want to have evacuation life under COVID-19, and this tendency is larger among people who live together with the aged and the care-needed. In addition, this research confirmed the risk awareness structure applicable to both COVID-19 and natural disasters. The results show that many people firmly ask governments to take measures against infectious disease such as using hotels as shelters, securing personal spaces in shelters, storing masks and disinfectors, and so on during an outbreak of an infectious disease. However, it is not enough to take such measures only; it is necessary to provide accurate information and mental support to reduce anxiety in people. Based on these results, we should consider more about the management of shelters under COVID-19 as soon as possible before the arrival of typhoon season.

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maximillian Van Wyk de Vries ◽  
Lekaashree Rambabu

Abstract Background Natural disasters and infectious diseases result in widespread disruption to human health and livelihood. At the scale of a global pandemic, the co-occurrence of natural disasters is inevitable. However, the impact of natural disasters on the spread of COVID-19 has not been extensively evaluated through epidemiological modelling. Methods We create an agent-based epidemiology model based on COVID-19 clinical, epidemiological, and geographic data. We first model 35 scenarios with varying natural disaster timing and duration for a COVID-19 outbreak in a theoretical region. We then evaluate the potential effect of an eruption of Vesuvius volcano on the spread of COVID-19 in Campania, Italy. Results In a majority of cases, the occurrence of a natural disaster increases the number of disease related fatalities. For a natural disaster fifty days after infection onset, the median increase in fatalities is 2, 59, and 180% for a 2, 14, and 31-day long natural disaster respectively, when compared to the no natural disaster scenario. For the Campania case, the median increase in fatalities is 1.1 and 2.4 additional fatalities per 100,000 for eruptions on day 1 and 100 respectively, and 60.0 additional fatalities per 100,000 for an eruption close to the peak in infections (day 50). Conclusion Our results show that the occurrence of a natural disaster in most cases leads to an increase in infection related fatalities, with wide variance in possible outcomes depending on the timing of the natural disaster relative to the peak in infections and the duration of the natural disaster.


Author(s):  
Henny Yulius ◽  
Indang Dewata ◽  
Heldi Heldi

This study aims to determine the fulfillment of the needs of victims of natural disasters through the implementation of a social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters that occurred in Padang Pariaman Regency. This research was conducted using a qualitative descriptive approach that describes the social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters with an orientation towards meeting the needs of the victims. It can also be categorized as exploratory research which studies a number of cases of aid distribution towards meeting the needs of victims. Data collection was carried out by direct interviews with officials who were directly involved in the distribution of aid, direct observation to victims of natural disasters, document review, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Data analysis, using descriptive-qualitative techniques. The results of the study conclude that the current social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters has not yet achieved the goal, namely meeting the needs of victims of natural disasters. Long mechanisms and procedures, incompatible with regional conditions, and the absence of potential synergy of personnel are factors between the ineffectiveness of the social assistance distribution system for victims of natural disasters in Padang Pariaman Regency. The results of the study recommend that in formulating a policy for the distribution of social assistance systems for victims of natural disasters, it should begin with periodic mapping of disaster events and the needs of victims, involving victims as recipients of assistance in accordance with the mandate of Article 26 of Law No.24 of 2007 concerning National Disaster Management. Local governments should be given full authority to implement policies in accordance with regional conditions and disaster characteristics. The granting of this authority should be included in the regional autonomy law regarding the rights of regional governments in the case of natural disaster management, specifically included in local regional regulations.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mei Yamagata ◽  
Tsukasa Teraguchi ◽  
Asako Miura

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cognitions, behaviors, attitudes, and living conditions of Japanese people during the severe novel coronavirus pandemic that reached the country in January 2020 and to publish the data related to the study. Using experiential data gathered from 612 Japanese nationals in late March 2020, we conducted an exploratory analysis of the associations between the variables measured in order to capture an authentic portrait of a society grappling with an infectious disease. We found that infection preventive behaviors and exclusionary attitudes toward foreigners were associated with individual differences in the cognitive responses specific to infectious diseases and pathogen avoidance. In variables directly related to the pandemic, there were some differences by gender, but not by generation or area of residence. This study provides practical, essential information that could give academic researchers, policymakers, and social support agencies valuable insights into the social pathologies specific to infectious diseases, managing public health, and improving lives.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arisa Yasui ◽  
Muneyoshi Numada

Japan is a disaster-prone country and natural disasters could happen under COVID-19. Shelter management is especially important because many people evacuate there and there’s high risk of spreading infection. In order to establish feasible countermeasures in shelters, we conducted a survey about the current situation of preparation and experience of shelter management in Japanese local governments under COVID-19. From the answer of 346 municipalities, we found that some municipalities took measures against COVID-19 such as adding new shelters and conducting the training, and these proactive measures were very useful. However, due to the addition of infectious disease control work, it became clear that it would take time and difficulty at reception, and that it would be even more difficult to identify evacuees with the recommended distributed evacuation. These results can be useful in proceeding consideration of better shelter management under COVID-19.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1723-1727
Author(s):  
Pavle Trpeski ◽  
Samir Ajdini

The dam Mavrovo on the Mavrovo Lake was built on the river Mavrovska at the very exit of the Mavrovo field. The dam can relay in several cases: war, natural disasters (tectonic disturbance, earthquake, flood and human factor), and antiterrorist attack. During the demolition of the dam, a flood wave would be formed along the valley of the Mavrovska River and the Radika River. The basic, main and priority goals that are expected to be achieved after the conducted research, analysis and preparation of this paper are as follows: Realization of the possibilities for reaction and support for cracks, collapse and other damage to dams, Realizing the possibilities for reaction and support if cracks, crashes and other damage to the dams, creating conditions for the occurrence of infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants, achieving the possibilities for reaction and support if cracks, crashes and other damage to dams, resulting in greater material damage to the habitats, destruction of industrial capacities of livestock farms, etc., Realizing the possibilities for reaction and support in the event of an earthquake, Realizing the possibilities for reaction and flood support, Realizing the possibilities for reaction and support during intensive snowfall, snow drifts, avalanches, landslides and more land-slippery landscapes, Realizing the possibilities for reaction and support at extremely high or low temperatures and dense fogs and I have achieved ment opportunities for response and support large-scale fires. In the event that there is a drainage of the dam, if there are no previous optional solutions for managing the possible consequences, there will be a natural disaster on a considerable scale.If the dam is destroyed, it is expected to be destroyed: The entire road infrastructure from Mavrovo to Debar; The economic capacities of the same move, Family homes after the flow of the river radika. There are climatic and pedological consequences and Disruption of biodiversity in the region.


2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 271-277 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simona Sacchi ◽  
Paolo Riva ◽  
Marco Brambilla

Anthropomorphization is the tendency to ascribe humanlike features and mental states, such as free will and consciousness, to nonhuman beings or inanimate agents. Two studies investigated the consequences of the anthropomorphization of nature on people’s willingness to help victims of natural disasters. Study 1 (N = 96) showed that the humanization of nature correlated negatively with willingness to help natural disaster victims. Study 2 (N = 52) tested for causality, showing that the anthropomorphization of nature reduced participants’ intentions to help the victims. Overall, our findings suggest that humanizing nature undermines the tendency to support victims of natural disasters.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 86-93
Author(s):  
Dhirajsingh Sumersingh Rajput

Evolution is continuous process of changes in structural and physiological mechanism in living being. Microbes/pathogens can evolve naturally or artificially and become resistant to various medicines. Novel coronavirus is such evolved pathogen of coronavirus group. Enough strong immunity is needed to prevent or survive from COVID-19 pandemic. Ayurveda provides ways for evolving physiological responses to built immunity. Present work is brief attempt to increase insight in this filed.Present review was done based on simple theory of evolution, recent updates regarding prevention of COVID-19, Ayurveda aspect toward infectious diseases and Ayurveda ways towards prevention of infectious diseases with special reference to COVID-19. Person with impaired immunity is more susceptible for COVID-19 and thus immunity is an important preventing factor. Ayurveda Rasayana (rejuvanation) herbs, Yoga exercises, Pranayama (special breathing exercise), daily regimens and personal hygiene guidelines can be helpful strategies in controlling the spread of COVID-19.The preventive aspects of pandemic situations are narrated in Ayurveda with enough details. These ways need to be scientifically explored and refined for precision. As prevention is always better than cure hence Ayurveda ways can be considered for future strategies to avoid pandemics such as COVID-19.  There is great need of research on Ayurveda medicines on COVID-19 like diseases.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1396-1399
Author(s):  
Disha Bhatero ◽  
Punam Sawarkar ◽  
Gaurav Sawarkar

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by novel Coronavirus. The overall prevalence rate of Covid-19 in Worldwide ( 9.94M )& it is (529 K) & (153 K) in India and Maharashtra. This situation can be considered under JanapadodhwansaVyadhi in Ayurveda. The primary purpose of Ayurveda  is the prevention of the disease in healthy individuals and eradication of disease, which are curable. Immunity comes under the Vyadhikshamatva. Further, Covid-19 infection is correlated with Vataj-Kaphaj Jwara. In Ayurveda Rasayana therapy to boost up immunity (Bala  & Vyadhikshamatva). The present study aimed to explore the concept of infectious disease and its prevention through different lifestyles described in Ayurveda. The above need-based information is collected from various Ayurvedicliterature (Laghutrayee, Bruhatryayi) along with numerous research articles from databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar. All collected data were depicted in narrative form and tabular manner under different heads. Considering the above aspect in the prevention of Covid-19, the role of Ayurveda intervention may be proved more beneficial in Covid-19. Further, adoption of code of conduct may efficiently overcome the current pandemic situation by maintaining good immunity & implementation of Ahar, Vihar Vidhis, Dincharya, and Rutucharya& Sadvritta  for improving disease resistance.


Author(s):  
Ki-Gab Park

The chapter argues that natural disasters are common concerns in the international community. At the same time, the current international cooperation mechanism, based on the principle of equal sovereignty, require prior consent by the state affected by a natural disaster. Unfortunately, this is not always an efficient tool for the protection of victims. The globalization of problems and the proliferation of humanitarian crises make the veritable solidarity of the international community increasingly necessary, and therefore another high value, namely international solidarity or community obligations, should create direct and immediate obligations for all members of the international community. The main object of this chapter is to discuss the future-oriented direction of the law on natural disasters. This means, first, to ascertain the lex lata, especially customary rules. The chapter further offers some suggestions on possible ways for the international community to provide more effective relief for victims of natural disasters.


2009 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 370-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jenefer M. Blackwell ◽  
Sarra E. Jamieson ◽  
David Burgner

SUMMARY Following their discovery in the early 1970s, classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) loci have been the prototypical candidates for genetic susceptibility to infectious disease. Indeed, the original hypothesis for the extreme variability observed at HLA loci (H-2 in mice) was the major selective pressure from infectious diseases. Now that both the human genome and the molecular basis of innate and acquired immunity are understood in greater detail, do the classical HLA loci still stand out as major genes that determine susceptibility to infectious disease? This review looks afresh at the evidence supporting a role for classical HLA loci in susceptibility to infectious disease, examines the limitations of data reported to date, and discusses current advances in methodology and technology that will potentially lead to greater understanding of their role in infectious diseases in the future.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document