PREVALENCE OF COVID-19 IN FLOOD RELIEF CENTRE, JOHOR

People all over the world have been dealing with the effects of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic since the beginning of 2020. At the same time, many parts of the world have been hit by a dual, interconnected hazard: severe flooding and a pandemic. Several areas in Johor have experienced flash floods. As a result, flood relief centres have been established in the affected areas to house flood victims. Because of the large number of flood victims in flood relief centres, there is a risk of COVID-19 infection spreading among flood evacuees and staff. This study focused on flood incident in Johor. A cross sectional study was conducted in Johor Flood Relief centres with the secondary data source from E notification and COVID-19-line listing of Johor from 1^st January to 16^th January 2022. Descriptive analysis was used. A total of 90 evacuation centres were opened during the flood disaster. A total of 1531 flood victims were screened for COVID-19 and RTK antigen tests were done.  Number of asymptomatic victims was 711(46%) while 820(54%) victims were symptomatic. A total of 6 (0.45 %) patients were identified positive. Few issues were identified during audit in several evacuation centres. There were no proper ventilation (no LEV, no open windows), no distribution of face masks to victims, and no health assessments were conducted on daily basis. In conclusion, COVID-19 preventive measures in all evacuation centres need to be practiced and given attention by all occupants and agencies in-charge within management and welfare of victims.

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Keyword: Covid-19, Flood, Relief centre