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

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 4

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 5

How does testing work and where can you get tested?

Accepted Answer

The coronavirus testing process depends on the instructions of the health authorities of the place where you live. There are two types of coronavirus tests are done in Hong Kong – an antigen test and an antibody test. A PCR antigen test detects the sequence of the virus RNA and is highly accurate.
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Question 6

What are the lockdown measures and travel bans in place in the region?

Accepted Answer

Wuhan, a central city in China, implemented a lockdown on January 23 when the city’s borders were closed, incoming and outgoing flights cancelled, public transport halted, and movement of people restricted. Since then, other places in China and across Asia have implemented different degrees of travel bans and lockdown measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.
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Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

The steps taken to contain the outbreak, such as locking down areas and shutting down traffic flows, have shut down businesses and forced consumers to stay home. Many people have lost their jobs and their incomes, further reducing consumer spending, which makes up 60 per cent of the China economy and 70 per cent of that in the West.
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Question 8

Will coronavirus cause a global recession in 2020?

Accepted Answer

The International Monetary Fund has said that it expects a global recession this year. China’s economy is expected to contract in the first quarter for the first time since 1976 and growth estimates for the year have been slacked to around 2 per cent from 6.1 per cent last year. The US and European economies are also expected to contract starting in the second quarter.
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