The Effect and Public Perception of Health Code and Quarantine Measures on the COVID-19 Pandemic in China

Abstract

Measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19 are crucial for public health, specifically when the specific cure is not available temporarily. As the pandemic's epicentre, China responded to the outbreak by promoting certain strategies against the virus, including health code, and quarantine measures. Health code identifies and highlights individuals potentially at risk of exposure to the virus, thus preventing them from entering public spaces to further transmit it. The system's strength is obvious, the integrated system allows easy access, real-time monitor the health status, and quick verifying when visiting public areas. However, the system is still challenging for unconnected groups and elderly populations, also limiting daily life when the system mistakenly separates healthy individuals into yellow and red codes. The citizens’ feedback against the system varies, with some supporting its necessity and others having privacy concerns. Quarantine measures impede face-to-face communication among the population, reducing the transmission rate of the virus. Several benefits could be highlighted: efficiency, protection of the vulnerable, and flexibility. On the other hand, severe economic and psychological impacts are exerted on the society. While most still support the policy, many people are dissatisfied with the policy concerning the huge impact on their daily lives.