Inside a mandatory quarantine centre preventing Covid-19 in Vietnam: An emic point of view

Abstract

Objectives: This article describes what happening inside a Covid-19 mandatory quarantine centre in Hanoi, Viet Nam through experiences of a Vietnamese oversea student returning the country; and discusses issues regarding the implementation of mandatory quarantine.

Methods: A single case study method was used and based on experiences of  the researcher who was an oversea student returning the country and being in mandatory quarantine for 14 days in Northern Vietnam. Dairy notes and participated observation were applied to collect data. Theme analysis were used to provide additional understandings of the Covid-19 prevention in Vietnam. The study results were reported in themes and relevant dairy stories.

Results: The mandatory quarantine centre was managed effectively in meeting basic needs of quarantined people as a result of an efficient teamwork including healthcare workers and army forces. However, need differences in gender and age groups have not been considered. Also, mental health issues among people in quarantine including those providing services in quarantine centres have not been paid much attention.

Conclusion: The study results indicated that there is a need of having more people providing services in quarantine, particularly during early time period of quarantine, in order to decrease workloads for staff and meet various needs of people in madatoty quarantine centres. Mental health services are needed for both citizens and staff in quarantine places.