Attitudes Toward The Use Of Quarantine In A Public Health Emergency In Four Countries

Abstract

Countries worldwide face the threat of emerging infectious diseases. To understand the public's reaction to the use of widespread quarantine should such an outbreak occur, the Harvard School of Public Health, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, undertook a survey of residents of Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and the United States. A sizable proportion of the public in each country opposed compulsory quarantine. Respondents were concerned about overcrowding, infection, and inability to communicate with family members while in quarantine. Officials will need specific plans to deal with the public's concerns about compulsory quarantine policies. C o u n t r i e s wo r l d w i d e fac e t h e g l o b a l t h r e at of newly emerging infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and pandemic influenza. These types of diseases can create serious problems for international and local public health authorities and health professionals: They can be highly contagious and can lead to death or serious illness. Such diseases also can have major economic impacts.1 These concerns are often heightened by the lack of proven vaccines or effective treatments for those who become infected. Thus, the importance of containing these diseases before widespread transmission occurs becomes a priority for public health policy and planning.

Should Persons Detained During Public Health Crises Receive Compensation?

“…Some people who are detained fear for their livelihood (DiGiovanni et al 2004;Blendon et al 2006), and it is likely that the existence of a compensation system will improve adherence to the quarantine rules and will in general add to the perceived legitimacy and tolerability of detention.…”

Community Engagement: Leadership Tool for Catastrophic Health Events

“…Social, economic, and political realities govern any measure's effectiveness as well as its capacity to harm a community inadvertently. [105][106][107] Weighing risks and anticipated benefits, thus, will require input from groups and individuals outside the health sector.…”

Ethics and Public Health Emergencies: Restrictions on Liberty

“…And if they are placed under quarantine outside the home, will someone care for their children, their pets, or their parents? In a recent 4-nation survey about outof-home quarantine, many people were concerned about overcrowding, cross-infection, and the inability to communicate with their families (Blendon et al 2006b). Sadly, almost 25% of Americans say they could not afford to miss work for a week, and nearly 1 in 5 said their employer would probably require them to work while ill, even if they might infect others (Blendon et al 2006a).…”