The perceptions of community members about coronavirus pandemic: A case study of Robe and Shashemene towns, Oromia Ethiopia

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of community members about the coronavirus pandemic. A case study research design was utilized with 45 participants aged between 26 and 70 years old. In the very beginning when few coronavirus cases were reported, people were scared to death. But, as the numbers of infected cases were reported, more and more people have become used to the virus. Therefore, the coronavirus pandemic protocols like wearing face masks, physical distancing and all similar rules became relaxed. Most of the government workers like bank employees, traffic police informants, and all are well aware of COVID- 19 preventive methods. But the common people coming from varied educational levels who came in contact with the service rendering organizations defied the World Health Organization COVID-19 protective protocols. The study will support the Ethiopian government initiatives in fighting against the pandemic to protect its people from coronavirus by changing the wrong perception of the community towards the virus.