Photo:Xinhua

Experts at Shanghai Mental Health Center advised the public to be "moderately anxious" about the novel coronavirus outbreak instead of overreacting.

It is necessary to maintain a moderate level of anxiety during the epidemic, which can help residents fetch important information about the virus, beneficial for protection and prevention, the center's chief physician Xie Bin stated in a Shanghai government press conference Thursday.

Nonetheless, there is no need to be excessively worried and panic, Xie added.

Shanghai advises its citizens to try to stay at home to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of the virus, which has caused 257 confirmed cases and one death as of 3:00 pm Thursday in the city.

To maintain the positive flow of emotions during the days at home, the center suggests residents not receive too much information about the epidemic. "It's preferable that the virus-related information not exceeds 40 percent of all the information one receives in a single day," Xie said.

Besides, the center advised residents to improve their physical and mental health through reading, listening to music, doing moderate indoor exercises for no less than half an hour, undertaking 'self-relaxation training,' and sleeping no fewer than seven hours a day.

"If you still have mental health issues, including insomnia, panic disorder, and obsession after having tried all the listed remedies, please dial Shanghai's mental health hotline 86-21-12320-5 for professional aid services," Xie added.