CAIRO — Egyptians in need of psychological support because of coronavirus repercussions now have hotlines they can call, provided by the Ministry of Health.

The ministry decided March 31 to allocate hotlines in light of the nighttime curfew imposed to confront the spread of the virus. Dr. Monan Abdel-Maksoud, secretary-general of the General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction Treatment with the Ministry of Health, said in a press statement that day that 150 mental health professionals received online training to provide support to coronavirus patients and their families, treatment teams in isolation hospitals and others.

Abdel-Maksoud said fear and anxiety caused by the spread of the coronavirus are normal during this period and must be overcome to avoid negative psychological effects, especially for children and the elderly. The statement further stressed the need for citizens to remain at home to protect themselves against the virus.

The partial curfew, from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m., began March 24 and appears to be taking a toll on people's moods and emotional well-being.