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Table 2 Public attitudes toward quarantine (Qx) by factor

From: Public perceptions of quarantine: community-based telephone survey following an infectious disease outbreak

 

Strongly Agree

Somewhat Agree

Neutral

Somewhat Disagree

Strongly Disagree

Justification

     

   Public Health should have the power to order people into Qx during outbreaks

77%

18%

3%

1%

0%

   Qx is a good way to stop the spread of infectious disease outbreaks

76%

18%

3%

3%

0%

   If someone is given a Qx order by Public Health, they should follow it no matter what else is going on in their life at work or home

70%

22%

5%

2%

1%

   If I go into Qx, my family/friends/community will be protected from becoming sick

66%

22%

4%

5%

3%

Sanctions

     

   People who break Qx orders on purpose should face legal penalties like a fine or jail

53%

25%

14%

4%

3%

   Public Health should be able to lock people up if they fail to obey Qx orders

28%

30%

19%

11%

12%

   Public Health should use electronic bracelets and in-home surveillance cameras for people who disobey Qx orders

27%

23%

20%

12%

18%

Burdens

     

   Public Health needs to explain to everyone why they should be allowed to use Qx

84%

13%

2%

0%

1%

   Government should pay for nurses and counselors to help people who are in Qx

77%

16%

4%

2%

1%

   Public Health should ensure that people have food and shelter while in Qx, and pay for it with public money if need be

68%

19%

7%

4%

3%

   Government should pay for counselors and support groups so that people coming out of Qx have someone to talk to about it

43%

29%

14%

9%

6%

   People in Qx should get money from the government to pay for missed time at work

43%

26%

17%

9%

6%

Safeguards

     

   Public Health should ensure that there is no discrimination in the use of Qx

91%

8%

1%

0%

0%

   It is reasonable for some rights to be taken away during an infectious disease outbreak

52%

30%

8%

4%

6%

   People who disagree with their Qx order should be able to request a review to have it ended early

43%

35%

10%

3%

9%