**COVID-19**

"If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community."

"Early symptoms of COVID-19 are much the same as those of the flu or a cold. Don't panic. Call your doctor to check in, if you're worried, but treating mild or moderate symptoms at home until you're well will protect you and help stop the spread of whatever you have."

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children.

Here’s advice for preserving your mental health while avoiding physical proximity.

There is no doubt there is a lot of uncertainty around the current COVID-19 outbreak, particularly given that the situation is constantly developing and the information about the virus remains incomplete.It is important to not only consider our physical health during such challenging times, but also to pay attention to our mental health. It is normal to feel worried, stressed and anxious when we are faced with uncertain situations, but the sooner we acknowledge and learn to take care of our mental health, the healthier and better equipped we’ll be to cope with the situation we’re having to face.

Taking care of your mental health and checking in on others can be something that we can all do, and there are many ways in which we can protect our own and others’ mental health. To help encourage this, Mind HK has developed a booklet with tips on managing your mental health and stay well during this time. Please find our downloadable booklets below – guidelines are available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Arabic, French, Somali, Urdu, Tagalog, and Bahasa Indonesia.

Please share this resource with friends, families, and colleagues, to help us best ensure everyone is making their mental well-being a priority at this time.

"WHO and public health authorities around the world are taking action to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. However, this time of crisis is generating stress in the population. These mental health considerations were developed by the Mental Health Department as support for mental and psychological well-being during COVID-19 outbreak."