Health ministry statistics show suicides in April fell nearly 20 percent from a year earlier, countering widespread concerns the coronavirus pandemic would drive many to take their lives.
But officials and experts warn there might be a resurgence. Despite April's figure, they say, the fact remains that the fallout from COVID-19 is taking a toll on the livelihoods and mental health of many across the nation, depriving them of jobs and increasing the risk of domestic violence and child abuse.
Further exacerbating the situation is the fact that many suicide prevention groups are finding themselves on the verge of dysfunction after being forced to downsize or suspend activities due to the virus.