The Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019.

On 11 March 2020, COVID-19 was characterized by the World Health Organization (WHO)
as a pandemic. When the pandemic started in many countries, most government

Frontline workers, such as health care and emergency workers,2 but also those involved in the
production of essential goods, in delivery and transportation, or in ensuring the security and safety of
the population are facing many stressful situations at work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Increased workloads, longer working hours, and reduced rest periods are a concern for most of them. In
addition, they may be worried about getting infected at work and passing the virus to family, friends,
and others at work, in particular if appropriate protective measures are not in place. People working
from home are exposed to specific psychosocial risks, such as isolation, blurred boundaries between
work and family, increased risk of domestic violence, among others. The fear of loosing the job, pay cuts,
lay-offs and reduced benefits make many workers question their future. Job insecurity, economic loss
and unemployment can have a severe impact on mental health.3 These and other psychosocial risks
may arise or increase as a result of the COVID-19- crisis. Many of them may have emerged during the
period of the rapid spread of the virus and strict isolation measures and still persist over time as
businesses open their doors. Others may increase when workers return to their workplaces. If not
appropriately assessed and managed, psychosocial risks may increase stress