Phenomenological Study of Knowledge, Public Perception in Kendal During The Pandemic and The Implementation of A New Normal in 2020

Abstract

COVID-19 is a disease that has infected people in more than 190 countries in a period of 3 months and has infected more than 8,745,570 confirmed cases in the world. The Indonesian government applies a new normal life health protocol to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Objective: to find out and explore deeply how the level of knowledge, public perception to face Pandemic and preparation in implementing the new normal. Method: This research is a qualitative research with a descriptive phenomenological approach. The population in this study is a representation of Kendal, Jetak Village, Getasan District, Semarang Regency, Central Java. Results : There are six types of occupations, namely: farmers, teachers, factory workers, traders, drivers, and casual daily construction workers; most of the respondents or 90 % did not know the cause and mode of transmission of COVID-19 correctly; the respondent does not understand the terms People Under Surveillance, Patients Under Surveillance and People Without Symptoms; All respondents always update information about COVID-19 due to fear of being infected; COVID-19 disease cannot be controlled because of community disobedience; This outbreak has affected their income; All respondents were aware of various policies in disease management; The community has carried out various prevention activities; 90 % of respondents lack understanding about the concept of new life; The economic issue and following the rules of a normal life ia a new challenge; Socialization of new life practices are still limited; people expect the government to socialize and support in facilities. Conclusion: the level of public knowledge about COVID-19 is still lacking, but the community has practiced ways to prevent the disease; Most people speculated that the transmission and spread of the disease cannot be controlled because the community's disobedience factor in following the health protocol in their activities to fulfill economic needs; The community's preparation in implementing the new normal life still cannot be carried out due to the lack of socialization from the government and the massive hoaxes about COVID-19 disease; a systematic and concrete policy from the government is needed for the implementation of a new normal life.