Since December 2019, many countries have enforced lockdowns against the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, which led to a new and unprecedented situation for the world and the Swiss population. The impact of restriction of movement on mental and physical health was quickly observed and documented.

In an ambulatory mental health centre in Geneva, we quickly created therapeutic groups to reduce these consequences and to support vulnerable patients under psychiatric care. Therapeutic groups of adapted physical activities, emotional management and nutrition were offered to the patients for nine weeks via online videoconference. In 92.5% of cases, patients expressed a sense of well-being after a group session supervised by a professional. Limitations regarding the use of computer tools were highlighted, but prevention and health promotion provided by this means are undeniable.

We honestly think that support measures must be anticipated in order to be able to react quickly on behalf of all vulnerable persons in the event of a COVID-19 rebound.