The psychological effects of quarantining a city, particularly in the context of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, are significant and multifaceted. The imposition of travel restrictions and mass quarantine has caught many off guard, affecting over 20 million people. While the media reports widespread panic and concern, the authors caution against overinterpreting these reports, as journalists often assume panic based on limited evidence. However, fear and anxiety are likely to be significant outcomes, driven by the severity of the situation, loss of control, and the spread of rumors. These effects can lead to social stigma, discrimination, and long-term economic and social disruption. The authors emphasize that the psychological costs of mandatory mass quarantine must be carefully weighed against its epidemiological benefits, suggesting that voluntary quarantine might be a more effective and less psychologically damaging alternative.The psychological effects of quarantining a city, particularly in the context of the novel coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, are significant and multifaceted. The imposition of travel restrictions and mass quarantine has caught many off guard, affecting over 20 million people. While the media reports widespread panic and concern, the authors caution against overinterpreting these reports, as journalists often assume panic based on limited evidence. However, fear and anxiety are likely to be significant outcomes, driven by the severity of the situation, loss of control, and the spread of rumors. These effects can lead to social stigma, discrimination, and long-term economic and social disruption. The authors emphasize that the psychological costs of mandatory mass quarantine must be carefully weighed against its epidemiological benefits, suggesting that voluntary quarantine might be a more effective and less psychologically damaging alternative.