Self-Quarantine Noncompliance During the COVID-19 Pandemic in South Korea

Abstract

Background: In South Korea, many individuals were self-quarantined for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the quarantine criteria were extended to all overseas travelers. This study was conducted to identify the non-compliance rate of self-quarantine for COVID-19 cases and assess the impact of a one-strike out policy and an increased amount of penalty for the violating self-quarantine in South Korea. Methods: The self-quarantine non-compliance rate for COVID-19 was examined using publicly available data. We collected the daily number of quarantine and quarantine violation cases from March 22 to June 10, 2020. A Poisson regression analysis was conducted to identify the impact of additional sanctions for the quarantine violation. Results: The median number of individuals quarantined per day was 36,561 (interquartile range of 34,408–41,961). The median number of daily self-quarantine violations was six (range of 0–13). The median rate of self-quarantine violations was 1.6 per 10,000 self-quarantined individuals (range 0.0–8.0 per 10,000 self-quarantined individuals). The additional sanction has no significant impact on the number of violations among quarantine individuals (p=0.99). Conclusions: The additional sanction for the violation of quarantined individuals did not reduce the self-quarantine violations. Further studies are warranted to strengthen the compliance of self-quarantine for future pandemics.

Transmission dynamics and control of two epidemic waves of SARS-CoV-2 in South Korea

“…In late March 2020, many Koreans in Europe and the United States traveled back to Korea due to the lockdowns. Public health authorities implemented mandatory laboratory screening at the port of entry and a 14-day mandatory self-quarantine program for travellers from Europe (22 March) and then all overseas travellers (1 April) [27]. Local health authorities identified 547 imported cases and they were linked with 44 local cases during the first wave (Fig.…”

How can we improve self-isolation and quarantine for covid-19?

“…In South Korea, as well as one-off payments, people in quarantine are provided with daily necessities and sanitary kits worth around £40 and quarantine facilities if they cannot isolate at home. 21 In Taiwan, local government centres offer transport arrangements, food delivery, medical care and household services, including accommodation for people without a residence. 13 San Francisco's "right to recover" programme provides eligible workers with two weeks of salary reimbursement at the minimum wage ($1285; £930; €1000), practical support, and alternative accommodation if required.…”

“…In South Korea, the median number of people who quarantined was 36 561 a day, with around six violations recorded each day--a rate of 1.6 violations/10 000 self-quarantined people. 21 Since the Asia-Pacific countries usually manage isolation through designated quarantine facilities, stringently monitored by healthcare workers, compliance is likely to be high. However, preliminary data from New York City showing high levels of isolation (box 1) indicate the effectiveness of comprehensive support.…”

“…Comprehensive support —Local authorities in South Korea, Taiwan, New York (box 1), and San Francisco (box 2) offer comprehensive support for self-isolation. In South Korea, as well as one-off payments, people in quarantine are provided with daily necessities and sanitary kits worth around £40 and quarantine facilities if they cannot isolate at home 21. In Taiwan, local government centres offer transport arrangements, food delivery, medical care and household services, including accommodation for people without a residence 13.…”

“…Places that offer comprehensive support packages had high rates of adherence to self-isolation guidelines and few violations. In South Korea, the median number of people who quarantined was 36 561 a day, with around six violations recorded each day––a rate of 1.6 violations/10 000 self-quarantined people 21. Since the Asia-Pacific countries usually manage isolation through designated quarantine facilities, stringently monitored by healthcare workers, compliance is likely to be high.…”