The possible animal origins of the coronavirus pandemic and its toll on mental health will be among topics discussed today at a special seminar.

Tucker Murphy, a zoologist who studied human conflict with mountain lions in the Chilean rainforests, said he would address “mankind and how we cannot escape our biological roots, no matter how advanced we become” as part of the Bermuda College’s Roche Science Public Forum.

Mr Murphy said Covid-19 had underscored that “we are still susceptible to a biological phenomenon like a virus”.

He added the “jury was still out” on the animal origins of the coronavirus.

Mr Tucker said: “It could be pangolins. They’re finding very similar things in bats. There is a litany of viruses that cross the animal-human barrier.

“I’ll speak as well about how something like this is similar to other calamitous events such as climate change, and how our response to the pandemic may compare with future events.”

Sandy De Silva, Shaina Kelly, Phillippe Rouja and Craig Simmons will join Mr Murphy online to talk virtual guests through the virus’s impact on public health, the environment and the island’s economy.

Dr De Silva, the executive director at the charity Family Centre, said panellists would also have questions for those taking part.

She said the impact of the pandemic worldwide had ranged from depression and anxiety to problems with relationships, financial stress, increased substance abuse and “feelings of helplessness”.

Dr De Silva said she hoped to survey guests on their experiences.

She added: “My sense is the data from the group will resemble the global data.”

Dr De Silva said she would discuss on the data-driven picture of the pandemic’s toll on mental health.

She added research had shown the prevalence of virtual engagement and lack of personal contact had driven a drop in empathy levels.

Dr De Silva will also explore the impact on the mental wellbeing of children, college students and front line healthcare workers.

She said: “It will give us a nice opportunity to engage with each other and look at how our different fields relate with one another.”

Login details for the forum are on the college’s website at www.college.bm.