But it can be particularly hard for children, some of whom will struggle to comprehend why they can no longer see their elderly grandparents or their friends at school.
With schools across the UK closing and people being urged to step up social distancing, communities are rallying round to bring a little brightness to young ones amid the gloom.
They have begun placing rainbow drawings and paintings in their windows for children to look out for while they are out walking.
The heartwarming idea is believed to have originated in Italy, which has so far been worst hit by COVID-19 out of any European country, but it is rapidly spreading.
In Sheffield, people in Walkley and Crookes are among those taking part in what has been described as a ‘giant neighbourhood-wide game of I spy’.