Four key themes were identified: city-wide lockdown was effective, a hotel quarantine was effective, fear and lack of knowledge of quarantine were the main factors that affected quarantine compliance, and insufficient attention was paid to people’s mental health.
First, all participants described their perceptions of the lockdown of Wuhan city. They all agreed that the decision was very wise and necessary. It was unprecedented and caused a widespread panic; however, it was very helpful to try and prevent the pandemic and protect people outside of the city. Two respondents commented on the specific timing of the lockdown:
When I heard the news that Wuhan was [on] lockdown…I realized the serious of the problem and felt a little scared—hoping not to spread to my hometown in Shantou…It would be better if the decision [was] made earlier…the media reported that about 5 million people [that] used to live in Wuhan had left the city, and many of them may [have] already been infected, which lead to a further spread.
—doctoral student, non-quarantined group
I greatly appreciate and support the government’s decision…However, people in Wuhan made great sacrifices since this measure could accelerate the spread of the virus inside…However, in order to control the epidemic, we have no choice but [to] cut off the source of infection. To our relief, all kind of supports, including medical supplies, medical workers, and food from different directions quickly arrived [in] Wuhan.
—hospital executive staff, non-quarantined group
Most patients in the quarantined group expressed that they felt surprised when hearing the news of the lockdown since they had not seen much media coverage about it. However, two doctors working in a hospital were not surprised.
Everything seems normal in Wuhan…people working and living as usual before we [got] on the train. We saw the workers in the railway station wear[ing] masks and passengers [wore] masks too. The staff measured our temperature when we got off the train. Two days later, we were told to be quarantined because we came from Wuhan; although, we didn’t have any symptoms. I feel lost about what happened.
—medical observer, quarantined group
I didn’t feel any surprise[e] about the decision made by [the] government. There already had [been] thousands of cases confirmed and [many] more suspicious cases waiting for laboratory [results from] Wuhan. This situation is really terrible. Locking down the city is necessary for reducing the virus spread, which directly cut[s] off the source of infection and prevent[s] more people from being infected.
—physician, quarantined group
Shantou was locked down like Wuhan; however, there were only two confirmed cases of COVID-19. The participants held negative attitudes toward this decision. Most participants indicated that, although the primary purpose was understandable, it really caused panic.
The primary purpose of [the] government is to protect residents in Shantou from [the] COVID-19 attack. However, this measures cause[d] a series of panic—many residents went to supermarkets to buy food without wear[ing] [a] mask, which could accelerate the spread of the virus in such [a] closed environment.
—nurse, quarantined group
Second, many medical observations were conducted as patients were quarantined in hotels and provided with free accommodation and meals. All participants appreciated this action by the government. Being quarantined in a hotel is better than at home, as the amount of contact with others can be better controlled.
“Living in [a] hotel is quite comfortable. Hotel attendants bring meals to the front of my door and monitor [my] temperature for me twice a day. Except that I can’t go outside of the room. I can do many things in the room—communicate with my friends and families, watch TV, and surf the Internet.”
—undergraduate student, quarantined group
Hotel quarantine is a good option…but we need [to] distinguish the situation of different people. I quarantined at home with my family for 11 days and then [I was] informed to [quarantine at the] hotel for another 3 days. It doesn’t make much sense for me. There is no need to shift to [a] hotel as long as you don’t go outside [and come in] contact with other people.
—physician, quarantined group
Compared with hospital quarantine, people without symptoms would prefer stay in a hotel, which was more convenient and caused less stress.
“I was quarantined in a hotel for 14 days without any symptom[s] and a medical worker took a pharyngeal swab for me until the last day. The test [was] positive, and I was quickly transferred to the hospital for isolation and treatment. Compared with the hospital, the environment of [the] hotel is really comfortable.”
—diagnosed patient, quarantined group
If I have to be quarantined without any symptoms, I’d rather go to [a] hotel than [the] hospital. There were so many cases confirmed in [the] hospital. I’m afraid of being infected by other patients…However, if I have a fever or other discomfort, I would turn to [the] hospital.
—undergraduate student, non-quarantined group
People quarantined in a hotel may have a higher risk of infection; therefore, it is necessary to examine individuals at the beginning and at the end of their quarantine:
…The result[s] of several tests indicated that I [was not] infected [with] COVID-19. Then, I was asked to quarantine in a hotel. My wife [who tested positive for COVID-19] was sent to [a] hospital for isolation and treatment. I also had three tests during the 14 days {I was] quarantined.
—medical observer, quarantined group
Third, although all patients, physicians, and nurses in the quarantined group stated that they were voluntarily quarantined, some medical observers were resistant to the quarantine:
All the result[s] of laboratory testing showed [that] I [had] a common fever and didn’t [acquire] the virus. However, I was asked to quarantine in [the] hospital immediately since my ID card showed that I came from the province of Hubei. I ha[d] no choice but [comply]. I wouldn’ t go to the hospital if I knew [I] needed to be quarantined. Life quarantined in the hospital was boring and depress[ing].
—medical observer, quarantined group
I feel the government and doctors [kept] a lot of things from me, which [made] me feel panic and [needing] more information. Life quarantined in [the] hospital is very inconvenient and depress[ing]. People refuse quarantine for fear of the unknown life. They [are] afraid [of the costs or being] discriminated [against] by people around them. The medical institution should strengthen education and communication with them.
—patient, quarantined group
Participants in the non-quarantined group indicated that they would quarantine if necessary:
If there [was] any suggestion that I [had] contact with [infected] patients and need[ed] to be quarantined…I would pick up my luggage immediately and prepare for quarantine and keep distance [from] my families. However, I would not be willing to quarantine if I didn’t [think I was] exposed.
—patient, non-quarantined group
[Compliance] is a duty for a citizen, which is just not about one person, but the whole society. Wearing mask[s] and active quarantine need to be respected. [The] media and government should increase publicity.
—medical observer, quarantined group
Lastly, concerning participants’ mental health, only one participant in the quarantined group had undergone psychological testing. Two participants in the non-quarantined group had completed psychometric measurements for scientific research. All participants in the non-quarantined group reported they did not need psychological counseling and the participants who were quarantined in hospital or hotel psychological interventions should be available if needed.
This outbreak makes me feel shock and I didn’t take any psychological tests. I can adjust by myself and I don’t think I need psychological counseling. Participants who were quarantined maybe need psychological counseling; especially the first line of medical staff—their experiences and emotions might directly affect patients.
—infection management staff, non-quarantined group
All the physicians in the quarantined group indicated that they did not need psychological counseling. Some nurses indicated that proper psychological counseling may help reduce stress. Most quarantined participants believed that a longer isolation period would likely result in increased agitation. In addition, some participants reported being verbally abused and discriminated against. Some media reported that Chinese students and tourists in other countries were also subjected to racist behavior and hate crimes across the world.
We didn’t need psychological counseling and we always encourage[d] each other. My family [is] very supportive of my work—they told me to protect myself. In addition, this is our responsibility and all of us [are] professionally trained. However, patients may need psychological counseling, especially those isolated for [a] long time.
—physician, quarantined group
When entering the isolation ward, I always feel very anxious [and I am] afraid of drinking water. Once you put on the protective clothing [and] enter the isolation zone, you can’t go to the bathroom until [you] complete [the] work. I have finished the psychological test and the result[s] showed that I have mild stress. Proper psychological counseling is necessary.
—nurse, quarantined group