Scientists have expressed their fears over how people will behave when lockdown measures are eased and they start mixing with people outside their immediate households.
They are predicting two extreme-case scenarios caused by the lifting of long-term social distancing rules, with some people predicted to indulge in "even more" social interaction than normal, while others are expected to continue to adopt a voluntarily unsociable life.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is also looking into the impacts of "emergency fatigue", with some countries reporting citizens growing tired of life since the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
Katrine Habersaat, technical officer with the WHO in Europe, told a briefing that governments needed to look at trends in the public mood when considering how to amend lockdown measures - which have been in place in the UK since March 23.
For the latest on the coronavirus pandemic, visit our liveblog HERE
She said: "We are worried at one end of the continuum people will be so eager to go back to social interaction and maybe even want to do even more than before.
"At the other end we can see a group that continues to be so worried they still do not see people they rely on for social support, they don't go to the doctor for a vaccination or other potentially lifesaving interventions.
"Through the entire continuum we see scenarios that are worrying in this transition phase ahead.
"It underlines the need to be very aware of trends and shifts in the sentiments of the population so you can respond early on."
She also explained how "pandemic" or "emergency fatigue" was being reported around the world.
She said: "It's not just about motivation or having sufficient knowledge, it can relate to your mental health and wellbeing, being isolated, being alone, or not being able to draw on the social support you normally get.
"It can relate to your economic situation, cultural or social pressure to engage in social activities.
"It can be very difficult to navigate that."
She urged governments to conduct surveys into behaviour and to use what they learn to inform their decision-making to make the gradual return to "normal" life as effective as possible.
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Europe regional director, said pandemic fatigue "threatens the precious gains we have made" against coronavirus.
He said: "We are now at a fork in the road - where our actions and individual behaviour determines which path we follow.
"Our behaviour today will set the course for the pandemic. As governments lift restrictions, you, the people, are the main actors."
