COVID-19 Call Centre : The Government Strengthens Psychological Support

©Direction de la Communication - Manuel Vitali

On 30 January 2020, the Prince's Government implemented a COVID-19 information centre for the general public.

To enable the emergency services and the CHPG to focus on their primary missions, this information unit makes it possible to respond to questions, with the exception of medical protocol.

Until a few days ago, operators were answering almost 200 calls per day. Over the past few days, the rate seems to have stabilised at around 80 telephone calls per day.

The call centre staff notes that, since the strengthening of the lockdown measures, the nature of the calls is tending to change slightly. Almost 7% of callers express a need to talk and have an outlet; some even wish to share their concerns about self-isolation.

In order to support Monegasques and residents who wish to benefit from psychological counselling, the Prince's Government has asked psychologists to join the COVID-19 call centre.  The aim is for them to provide moral support to people who are finding it harder to cope with the lockdown rules or the way in which the Coronavirus epidemic is spreading.

The Minister responsible for Health went to support these teams, which are comprised of staff from the Department of Health Affairs, assisted by first aiders from Monaco Red Cross and overseen by a supervisory doctor. During his discussions with the telephone operators, Didier Gamerdinger, on behalf of the Prince's Government, thanked all those who have been working tirelessly over the past weeks to support the inhabitants of the Principality in these exceptional times. 

Monegasques, residents and employees can thus ask any questions they wish with regard to COVID-19 by calling the number 92 05 55 00.

This number is accessible seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  It is also possible to send an e-mail to the following address:  covid19@gouv.mc .