A hotline has opened in central China's Hubei Province to help people maintain psychological health amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, local authorities said Thursday.

Medical workers, teachers, students and the general public can call the number 4007027520 to request help with psychological issues related to the epidemic.

The service, which officially began on Thursday, was jointly launched by organizations including the Hubei Provincial Department of Education.

The service is made possible with the participation of numerous seasoned psychological counselors from universities across the province.

An official WeChat account has also been set up to provide 24-hour service.