We are still in the middle of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Today we are looking at more than 13.6Mio confirmed cases. To reduce the transmission of the virus, radical measures were taken by the governments including curfew, quarantine, travel bans, social distancing, school closures etc. However, it is unclear how these measures affect the mental health of the general population. Here we are presenting data from an online survey (n=860) on mental well-being during the pandemic. The survey included questions regarding the impact of COVID-19 exposure, and mental health (symptom check list (SCL-17), schizotypal  personality questionnaire (SPQ)). We focus on a comparison between UK and Germany. We find distinct differences between the countries – with UK-respondents being for example more strongly impacted by the disease itself and financially; Germans, however, being generally more concerned and hopeless regarding their future. More importantly, however, we find  a strong association between COVID-19 related measures and worsening of symptoms and general well-being. Nearly 25% of all respondents report a worsening of their symptoms. In response to future pandemics we need tailored intervention services to assist people vulnerable for mental health problems.