Self-Isolation Compliance In The COVID-19 Era Influenced By Compensation: Findings From A Recent Survey In Israel

TLDR

Self‑quarantine orders were imposed worldwide to curb COVID‑19, yet studies show that fear of income loss hampers compliance. A February 2020 cross‑sectional survey of Israeli adults measured self‑quarantine compliance under scenarios of wage compensation versus no compensation. Compliance rose to 94 % when compensation was offered but fell below 57 % without it, indicating that financial support is crucial for adherence to public‑health measures.

Abstract

To contain the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, health and government authorities have imposed sweeping self-quarantine orders for communities worldwide. Health officials assume that the public will have high rates of compliance. However, studies suggest that a major obstacle to compliance for household quarantine is concern about loss of income. A cross-sectional study of the adult population of Israel was conducted in the last week of February 2020 to assess public attitudes toward the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, public compliance rates with self-quarantine were assessed, depending on whether lost wages would be compensated for. When compensation was assumed, the compliance rate was 94 percent. When compensation was removed, the compliance rate dropped to less than 57 percent. This study demonstrated that providing people with assurances about their livelihoods during self-quarantine is an important component of compliance with public health regulations.