A mixed-methods evaluation of advice on isolation and health-seeking to contain transmission

To help reduce the spread of COVID-19 during the containment phase, people retuning from affected countries and contacts of cases were advised to stay at home and avoid contact with others (self-isolate). In addition, people who were repatriated from affected countries were advised to stay in supported isolation facilities. During the delay phase, additional advice has been issued for anyone with symptoms to self-isolate and the whole population to stay at home and only leave their house if necessary (social distancing). Anyone with underlying health conditions has been advised to self-isolate for 12 weeks, regardless of symptoms. We know that people do not always follow advice and experiencing isolation can have a negative impact on mental health and wellbeing. We will conduct surveys and interviews to assess whether people follow this advice, what might make following this advice difficult, what can be done to support people who are advised to isolate and the impact of isolation on mental health and wellbeing. We will also explore how UK and Chinese communities have responded to public health advice. Our findings will help with the management of the current COVID-19 outbreak and any future disease outbreaks requiring people to distance themselves from others.