The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus or Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19:Coronavirus Diseases 2019) has significantly affected the overall economic and social system. Similarly, the Morlam industry, which is a local cultural media that is close to the villagers, is essential. Providing knowledge and requesting cooperation from leading Morlam groups is essential. Khon Kaen University, through the Cultural Center, as the caretaker of the arts and culture network, organized a meeting to explain the measures to prevent and monitor the COVID-19 virus to the Morlam Club Network on February 11, 2020 at the Phutthasilp Building Meeting Room (Rim Bueng Si Than), Khon Kaen University. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, chaired the meeting. There was a lecture on measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus by Lecturer Saowanant Bamroerat, Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Srinagarind Hospital, along with a team of speakers. Leading Morlam Networks on Morlam Groups such as Jai Keun Roi, Rabiab Watsin, Pratom Banthoengsin, and Nu Pharawisesin Rattanasilp Inthathairat, Khambun, Ruammit, Bua Rim Bueng, Rung Lam Plearn, Nung Nakhon Rattanasilp, Nung Rung Thiwa, Amnuaysilp and Phu Thai artists. At the end of the meeting, there was a donation of disinfectant to prevent the COVID-19 virus by Heavenly Delight Co., Ltd. to the network of Morlam clubs for reciting poetry and the media network.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Niyom Wongpongkham, Vice President for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Khon Kaen University, said in the meeting that from the measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Ministry of Public Health has continuously reported the situation. It was found that there were a large number of infected people. And this infectious disease has spread rapidly to many countries in various regions of the world. In addition, the National Communicable Disease Committee has resolved in the 2/2563 meeting on February 24, 2020 to approve in principle the draft announcement of the Ministry of Public Health on adding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 as the 14th dangerous communicable disease according to the Communicable Disease Act B.E. 2558. Khon Kaen University recognizes the importance and responds to the government's policy. Therefore, it has invited the network of Mor Lam brothers and sisters who recite poetry to join the meeting and ask for cooperation in changing behavior to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The Mor Lam troupe is asked to change their behavior, such as contacting friends and fans to prevent infection and to comply with the measures of the Khon Kaen Provincial Communicable Disease Committee, including providing knowledge to Mor Lam audiences before watching the performance. And I would like to encourage Mor Lam brothers and sisters to take care of their health, be patient and adapt so that we can overcome this crisis together.
Mr. Pharaphat Sattratanaphondol from the Morlam group Jai Keun Roi said that the Morlam group Jai Keun Roi today had the opportunity to receive news about the spread of COVID-19. Before the outbreak, our Morlam group did not have any control policies or preventive measures. After this disease became more and more dangerous, it had a significant impact on work. Many event hosts canceled their schedules, causing the group to lose income. It is believed that many Morlam groups or artists are also facing this crisis. Employers are concerned about the use of venues for performances, which could easily cause the spread of germs. Our measures are to educate the band members about prevention and self-care, and to refrain from communicating with fans by touching them. We also provide knowledge before the performance to the public because some groups or communities may not be able to access information or have access to it. Therefore, it is necessary for us to use this crisis as an opportunity to publicize and educate the general public.
Recommendations for prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) for places with large gatherings of people, such as concerts, sporting events, amusement parks, or other similar activities, by the Khon Kaen Provincial Communicable Disease Committee, dated March 4, 2020.
Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha issued an order on urgent measures to solve the problem of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on March 3, 2020 (Section 14), stating that government agencies and other government agencies request cooperation from private sector operators to avoid or postpone activities that involve large gatherings of people and may be at risk of spreading the disease unnecessarily, such as sports competitions, concerts, and entertainment events, except for activities that are normal business operations. They must strictly follow the surveillance and prevention measures set by the Ministry of Public Health.
Guidelines for Event Organizers
1. Consider postponing the event until the outbreak situation improves as appropriate.
2. When organizing an event, screening should be conducted for people with respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose, to advise them to isolate themselves from others and wear a mask.
3. Provide alcohol hand sanitizer gel and face masks, especially in areas with a lot of shared use, such as restrooms, event entrances, ticket booths, food booths, etc.
4. Provide regular cleaning of equipment and areas that are frequently touched, such as handrails, doorknobs, and bathrooms, with detergent or cleaning solution or 70% alcohol.
5. Provide sufficient hand soap in the restrooms throughout the event.
6. Set up a first aid point to provide basic care to patients (in the case of organizing a sports competition) by separating patients from the group activity and facilitating their return to home or hospital for treatment.
7. Reduce crowding of event participants, such as increasing the number of vehicles that bring people to the event and distributing food sales corners.
For event participants
1. Before joining the activity, you should prepare a mask and alcohol gel and should follow the hygiene principles. 2. If you suspect that you are sick, you should refrain from joining activities that involve large gatherings of people.
3. If you notice any participants coughing or sneezing abnormally, you should advise them to contact the staff to request a mask to wear.
4. Avoid close contact with people who are coughing, sneezing, or have a runny nose.
5. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Disease Control's hotline at 1422 or call the Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office at 097-959 6765.
6. If you have any questions, you can ask for more information at telephone number 097-959 6765, Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office or Line Official, Khon Kaen Communicable Disease Surveillance Center https://lin.ee/ZqL32p or hotline 1422, Department of Disease Control.
News: Chutinan Pancharung / Wanida Banyen
Picture: Thanatcha Seesonkong / Nattawut Charuwong / Chutinan Phancharung / Ratchawan Wathanasuk
