The mental health and wellbeing of the whole society has been severely impacted by covid-19 and must be considered a priority that needs to be addressed urgently. Psychological distress in populations is widespread. Many people are distressed due to the immediate impacts of the virus and the consequences of physical isolation. Fear of infection, dying, losing family members, stress related to economic situations is prominent.

Frequent misinformation and rumours of the virus and deep uncertainty about the future are common sources of distress. An upsurge in the number and severity of mental health problems is expected. Specific populations are showing high degrees of COVID-19 related psychological distress i.e. frontline health care workers, children and adolescents, the elderly, populations with comorbidities, woman, and the homeless.

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