Time map and predictors of on-spot emotional responses of Chinese people during COVID-19 outbreak: From January 27 to February 20, 2020

•Chinese people reported mild on-spot positive and negative emotions during COVID-19 outbreak.•Negative emotions declined and happy emotion increased in a curvilinear style.•Risk predictors were female, elder age, city with more confirmed cases, patients or medical staff, and higher risk perception.•Protective predictors were unmarried, high-school or college education, and later investigating dates.