Question 1

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

Accepted Answer

The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises that the most common symptoms are fever, tiredness, and a dry cough. The WHO says about 80 per cent of people recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Growing evidence suggests that loss of smell and taste are also symptoms of having the coronavirus.
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Question 2

Is there a vaccine for the coronavirus?

Accepted Answer

No, although scientists around the world have been racing to develop one. Both China and the United States have begun clinical trials. It will still be some time before a vaccine is ready for mass production, however, with the US’ National Institutes of Health saying that its clinical trial process could take up to 14 months. There are a number of antiviral treatments and vaccine trials underway.
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Question 3

How serious is Hong Kong's third wave of infections?

Accepted Answer

Barely two weeks since social-distancing regulations were eased in Hong Kong after the apparently successful containment of Covid-19, the coronavirus has returned with a vengeance. Experts describe this third wave of infections as the most severe yet and have called for immediate suppression measures as well as extensive testing to control the outbreak.
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Question 4

What preventive measures can be taken?

Accepted Answer

The disease can be transmitted from person to person, usually through droplets during sneezing or coughing. To prevent the spread of the virus, the WHO recommends washing hands regularly, covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. It also suggests avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.
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Question 5

Should people be wearing masks in public?

Accepted Answer

The World Health Organisation’s initial advice was that only people showing symptoms of infection or those caring for someone that has Covid-19 need to wear a face mask. However, it has now updated its position to say it supports government initiatives that require or encourage the public wearing of masks. It has emphasised that surgical masks should be preserved for medical professionals.
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Question 6

What is Hong Kong's Covid-19 mass testing scheme?

Accepted Answer

The Hong Kong government is conducting a one-off, voluntary mass testing program. Chief Executive Carrie Lam has said that expansive testing is one of the best ways to cut off the chain of transmission. The city has been ravaged by a third wave of the pandemic since July.
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Question 7

What has been the impact on the Chinese and global economies?

Accepted Answer

China's exports rose in both June and July, due in large part to foreign demand for products used to combat the pandemic. This, along with stronger industrial production and the government’s increased infrastructure spending have helped boost growth. However, analysts remain cautious given the impact of the pandemic on overseas markets, particularly the US.
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Question 8

Will coronavirus cause a global recession in 2020?

Accepted Answer

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects a deeper global recession this year than previously predicted. It now expects the global economy to contract 4.9 per cent in 2020 amid a coronavirus-driven plunge in output and consumption. But having contracted in the first quarter, the IMF expects China’s economy will grow by 1 per cent in 2020. The US and European economies are also expected to contract by 8 per cent and 10.2 per cent respectively in 2020.
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