Authors: M Pavithra and Dr. R M S Parvathi 41-48 7. An Awareness and Perception of COVID -19 among General Public – A Cross Sectional Analysis

Purpose – This paper aims to identify the level of Awareness and perception of COVID -19 among General Public. Design/methodology/approach – A Cross Sectional Analysis is done to identify the awareness and perception of COVID -19 during the rapid rise period of the outbreak with the help of Structured online Questionnaire. Findings – The findings also revealed that majority of the respondents are aware about the COVID – 19 Virus outbreak and it's dangerous. The majority of the respondents have the confident that the chain of COVID – 19 spread can be stopped with Quarantine, making mandatory to wear a face mask and social distancing. Research limitations/implications – Data for the study was collected from the general public specific to Coimbatore district and so the results cannot be generalized to other geographical areas. The respondents may have completed the questionnaires during the stage 2 of COVID -19 outbreak that was overwhelming. The time in which the respondent completed the questionnaires may have influenced their perception level. Practical implications – This study is based on small geographical area with limited sample size where it can extend to throughout the country. Social implications – Unrivalled measures have been adopted to control the rapid spread of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in India. People's adherence to control measures is affected by their awareness and perception towards COVID-19. Originality/value – The paper is based on a sample of respondents, data collected through online questionnaire and tested scientifically, following a thorough process. Paper type - Research paper