During major infectious disease outbreaks like the current COVID-19 pandemic, quarantine can be a necessary preventive measure. However, this quarantine is often associated with negative psychological effects. While the psychological impacts during the period of quarantine are unsurprising, evidence shows that these effects can persist months or even years later, albeit in a small number of cases. This troubling finding suggests the need for effective mitigation measures to be included as part of the quarantine planning process. The following measures can help:

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   Keep Quarantine Duration as Short as Possible Longer quarantine periods are associated with poorer psychological outcomes. It stands to reason that the stressors reported by participants could have a more significant impact the longer they are experienced. Therefore, restricting the length of quarantine to what is scientifically reasonable—given the known duration of incubation periods—will minimize negative effects on individuals. The importance of authorities adhering to their recommended quarantine length cannot be overemphasized. For those already in quarantine, an extension, no matter how small, is likely to exacerbate feelings of frustration and demoralization. Furthermore, imposing an indefinite cordon on entire cities, without a clear timeline, may be more detrimental than strictly enforced quarantine procedures limited to the incubation period.

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   Provide Comprehensive Information People in quarantine often fear being infected or infecting others, and they may catastrophize any physical symptoms they experience during this period. This fear is common among individuals exposed to any infectious disease and may be exacerbated by inadequate information from public health officials, leaving them unclear about the nature of the risks they face and the reasons for their quarantine. Ensuring that those under quarantine have a thorough understanding of the disease in question and the rationale for their quarantine should be a priority.

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   Ensure Adequate Supplies Governments must ensure that quarantined households have sufficient supplies for their basic needs, which should be provided as rapidly as possible. Coordination for supply provision should ideally be planned in advance, with reallocation strategies established to prevent shortages.

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   Reduce Boredom and Improve Communication Boredom and isolation can cause significant distress for those in quarantine. Individuals should be advised on activities to alleviate boredom and provided with practical coping and stress management techniques. Access to a working mobile phone is now essential; those stepping off a long flight into quarantine will likely appreciate being given a charger or adapter. Activating social networks, even remotely, is crucial. A lack of communication can lead not only to immediate anxiety but also to long-term distress. The ability to connect with family and friends is vital, and social media can facilitate communication with distant loved ones, allowing those in quarantine to update them about their situation and reassure them of their well-being. Access to Wi-Fi networks can help reduce feelings of isolation, stress, and panic.

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   Additionally, public health officials should maintain clear lines of communication with quarantined individuals about what to do if they experience symptoms. A dedicated phone line or online service staffed by healthcare professionals can provide instructions on how to manage any developing symptoms, reassuring individuals that their health needs are prioritized.

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   Special Attention for Healthcare Workers Healthcare workers, who are often quarantined themselves, may experience negative psychological effects exacerbated by stigma. They might also be concerned about understaffing their workplaces or burdening their colleagues. Being separated from their teams can intensify feelings of isolation. It is essential that healthcare workers feel supported by their immediate colleagues. During infectious disease outbreaks, organizational support has been shown to protect the mental health of healthcare staff, and managers should take steps to ensure that their staff are supportive of quarantined colleagues.

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Conclusion The psychological impact of quarantine is wide-ranging, substantial, and can be long-lasting. This is not to suggest that quarantine should not be implemented; the psychological effects of allowing disease to spread without quarantine might be worse. However, depriving individuals of their liberty for the wider public good is often contentious and must be handled carefully. If quarantine is deemed essential, officials should take every measure to ensure that this experience is as tolerable as possible. This can be achieved by providing clear communication about what is happening and why, explaining the expected duration of quarantine, offering meaningful activities, ensuring access to basic supplies (such as food, water, and medical supplies), and reinforcing the altruistic feelings individuals should rightly be experiencing.