The role of the engineering in fighting COVID-19: A lesson from hospitals

Abstract

COVID-19 caused by the new novel Coronavirus 2019, called SARS-CoV-2 Virus, originated in China at the end of 2019. The first case in Thailand was found in January 2020 and was found to be an imported case from China. It has then spread to other areas of the country. The aims of the study were to demonstrate the role of physical facilities and engineering in controlling the outbreak and transmission of the disease while also reducing risk for health personnel. The data of the study were collected by reviewing the literature that related to facilities supporting disease control. The results indicated that without mitigation measures and prevention control, the increasing rate of COVID-19 infected cases would become exponential. It is necessary to respond to the outbreak of this disease and prevent transmission among health personnel, especially by screening and investigation processes. However, they cannot work alone, as the requirement of other supporting departments is equally as important, namely; the supporting of physical facilities, engineering works, communication with the infected, confirmed cases, separate room allocation, and more.