Policy Actions to Alleviate Psychosocial Impacts of COVID‑19 Pandemic: Experiences from Taiwan

Previous studies have shown that during the time of disease outbreaks, specific groups are prone to mental health diseases, including those being infected and under quarantine,[4] healthcare workers,[5] and those who have preexisting psychological illness.[6] The overall mental health risk is also expected to increase on a population level. The disease could trigger fear and anxiety leading to emotional distress and compulsory behaviors, such as washing hands intensively and hoarding of facial masks, disinfectants, and other materials. On the other hand, the implementation of certain infection control strategies, such as identification of high-risk groups and quarantine, can lead to stigma and discrimination.