Countries including China have suggested that some people need home isolation during the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), to prevent the spread of the disease and more infections. So under what circumstance do people need to be quarantined at home? 

"The first important thing is to identify, or make sure that you are the right person that can do home isolation," said Cao Wei, deputy director of Medical Department of Infectious Diseases at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.  

If you have visited epicenter areas, contacted confirmed or suspected patients, it's safer to undergo home isolation. Those who have a mild symptom and no other chronic diseases can stay home while other patients with severe symptoms need to go to hospitals, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The WHO suggests patients should keep in touch with healthcare centers until full recovery and follow some guidelines while quarantined at home. 

People who are under quarantine need to stay in a single room with good ventilation and minimize shared space, which helps to reduce the risk of infecting family members.  

Australian Government Department of Health said: "you should wear a mask while you are inside your home when other people are present." And the surgical mask is needed when people who live with you stay in the same room as you. 

Other prevention measures suggested by the WHO include washing your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer, disinfecting items regularly and paying attention to respiratory hygiene. 

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said isolation and quarantine can help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have or may have a contagious disease. 

Read more: How to protect ourselves from COVID-19?