There are many concerns related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. While effective evidence based treatment and prevention measures are being developed, they are in the very early stages. The disease is spreading fast affecting lots of people in all most all countries.

Although considerable proportions of patients are recovering, death rates are alarmingly high. There is a genuine reason for the alarm and need for a concerted effort to deal with the situation. It is good to see that the Governments are taking proportionate and timely actions balancing the impact on various aspects of life.

However, as the disease is new and knowledge base regarding its effective control is developing, current measures and available resources are observed to be only partially effective.

Change in behaviour is important to control this virus and it is needed quickly. Following professional and medical advice regarding this is an extreme necessity. Unless contact with others is avoided and poor hygiene is not addressed, it will be difficult to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

It is especially important not to believe or act on the rumours, circulating in the media. Sometimes these appear so convincing that people just follow them blindly without checking, clarifying or challenging them.

There are many false reassurances in the social media about preventing the infection or remedies, which are damaging. The problem is huge numbers of people become affected by these rumours and put themselves and others at risk.

There are many reliable sources for information on Coronavirus, e.g. World Health Organisation and Professional Medical Societies, which should be followed. It is so important for one’s own self and for the community people follow the right advice from the professionals.

Authorities and media have great responsibilities to see that only evidence based information is provided to the public. In the case of a new disease such as COVID-19, when the information is changing fast, it is important to remain updated regularly.

In this scenario, it is understandable that people are stressed and anxious. People are fearful of getting infected with the virus; worried about arranging basic necessities of life, their work, family members especially those are elderly and away.

Stress can present in various ways and it is essential to identify stress symptoms and manage these before they deteriorate further affecting life. Usual symptoms are constant worry over one’s own health and that of the family; problems in concentration, sleep, appetite, increase in substance use, deterioration in the existing illnesses.

There may be fear of death and panic, emotional exhaustion, frustration, hopelessness, etc. As the secondary stresses such as joblessness, financial problems, deaths related to COVID-19 become more prevalent, most people will have additional problems.

Older persons, children, mentally ill people are more vulnerable, even the healthcare providers treating patients with COVID-19. These people need prioritised support. It is important to identify and practice suitable relaxation techniques, taking regular breaks from work and usual routine, finding time to engage in different activities, connecting with close people are some of the general principles of managing stress in this challenging period.

Remaining glued to TV with repeating contents of stories may not be helpful. Media can provide relaxation ideas and programmes of exercise and various activities at home to help the situations.

It will be a while before the effective treatments and preventive vaccinations are available to everyone. Till then, change in behaviour regarding social contact and maintaining hygiene both by individuals and community may be able to stop the spread of coronavirus. In that context, everyone has a role to play.

(The writer is a Consultant Psychiatrist in NHS, UK)