Background: the implementation of public health measures such as quarantines and isolation is a useful strategy for disease control; nonetheless, said measures may also have consequences on mental health. Objectives: to describe the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in adults living in Lima Metropolitan Area during the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: items from the Lima Anxiety Scale [EAL-20] and the Depressive Psychopathology Scale [EPD-6] were used in a sample of 565 adults living in Lima Metropolitan Area during the health emergency. Results: prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms were identified. Also, differences regarding sex, age, education level, and modality of work or study were found. Conclusions: the mandatory isolation period involves the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in adults living in Lima Metropolitan Area....