Survey study on the Korean quarantine-at-home system for Covid-19: suggestions for improvements.

Abstract

We examined whether quarantined individuals complied with rules to prevent transmission at home and whether the government provided appropriate support to individuals in quarantine. Between November 2020 and August 2021, we surveyed 198 individuals who had been or were quarantined at home without infection. The online survey results show that respondents experienced difficulties living in close quarters with their cohabitants and had low compliance with in-house hygiene rules. The government needed to provide adequate employment protection, living expense, or care support. Such failures of the system were mainly due to a lack of legal grounds for the government to operate. To improve compliance, the government can amend laws to permit active communication of public health messages with those quarantined at home and provide the necessary support.