The Lived Experience of Physical Distancing and Home Quarantine During the COVID 19 Pandemic in the City of Kerman

Although physical distancing and home quarantine, along with the use of mask and vaccines, have been identified as the most important solutions to combat COVID 19, few studies have examined its social consequences in Iran. The aim of the research is the lived experiences of physical distancing and home quarantine during the period of COVID 19 pandemic in the city of Kerman. The study approach was qualitative and based on phenomenological method. Using purposive sampling, in-depth interviews (voice and video calls via WhatsApp) with 19 people aged 20 to 60 between April and May 2021. Data were analyzed using Brown & Clark's thematic analysis approach and four main themes were extracted: Confusion and pessimism, self-adherence to instructions and lack of adherence to others, changes in the pattern of social and economic actions, and the desire to reintegrate despite the ambiguity about the future. According to the findings, although some participants agreed with physical distancing and home quarantine, others eagerly sought to return to the high level of pre-COVID 19 social life, especially those in low-income or unstable jobs, who felt that the physical distance associated with COVID 19 had a negative effect on their mental health and well-being during the home quarantine period.