Background: Risk perception, positive emotions, and preparedness are important parameters in predicting pandemic protective behaviors. Though, health care providers are required with sufficient knowledge, skills, preparedness and best practices towards corona virus 2019, there are limited studies in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing health care providers’ level of risk perception, preparedness and knowledge of COVID-19 in South Gondar Hospitals, North Central Ethiopia, 2020.

Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 217 health care providers working in South Gondar zone Hospitals from May 15-30, 2020 .Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A simple random sampling method was used. Data were coded, entered, cleaned and checked using Epi data statistical software version 4.2.0.0 and taken in STATA Version 14 statistical software for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used for the analysis. Odds ratio along with 95%CI were estimated to measure the strength of the association. The level of statistical significance was declared at p value ≤0.05.Descriptive statistics of different variables are presented in figures, text, and tables.

Results: A total of 217 health care providers were participated in the study. The level of high risk perception among frontline health care workers was 57.6% (95% CI: 56.9, 58.3). Almost half, 49.8% health care providers were prepared for corona virus pandemic and only 43.78% of health care providers had good knowledge regarding COVID 19. Having good knowledge (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) =2.83; 95CI:1.49, 5.34), taking training on COVID 19 (AOR=2.16; 95CI:1.07, 4.39), and avoiding meeting suspected/confirmed of COVID 19 (AOR=2.67; 95CI:1.05, 6.83) were significantly associated with risk perception towards the pandemic.

Conclusions: Risk perception, knowledge and preparedness for corona virus pandemic were low. Ensuring the improvement of knowledge and preparedness by creating awareness, providing training and sharing the fate of other pandemic emerged before through different means of channels might be important in improving risk perception. In addition, ensuring psychological preparedness and encouragement is important.

Key words; Risk perception, Coronavirus, preparedness, Health care provider, Ethiopia