Physical Distancing and Self-Quarantine: An Exploration of International Postgraduate Students’ Experiences During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The thought of infection with the fatal COVID-19 virus and physical distancing may make students develop mental stress, anxiety, loneliness and if possible depression. The physical distancing is considered an essential public health intervention that could curb the transmission of the coronavirus. This study adopted a qualitatively structured and open ended question using interview protocol. The questions were designed to find out the respondents’ experience of COVID -19 and the effects of physical distancing and self-quarantine on them and the ways of adjustment to cope with the situation. Initially, calls on WhatsApp were made to ascertain the willingness of those selected to be part of the survey. An online interview protocol was sent to students at various locations in Kota Samarahan and Gombak. The protocol was administered through email and a period of 10 days (April 18 – 28, 2020) was given for it to be returned. Half of the 30 protocols returned were postgraduate who served as respondent for the study. The study found that those who stay off campus could go to the supermarket for groceries but needs to observe the physical distancing.