However, there is still a significant amount of information that remains unknown. The new coronavirus is continuing to spread globally, leading researchers, doctors, policymakers, and economists to grapple with key questions. One of the primary concerns is the level of contagiousness of the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is transmitted from person to person through small droplets expelled from the nose or mouth during coughing or sneezing. Additionally, the virus can survive on surfaces for several days, increasing the risk of transmission through contact. Although it is suspected that virus particles in the feces of infected individuals may also spread the disease, this has not been confirmed. How many individuals have been infected and are asymptomatic? To date, over 550,000 cases have been documented globally, with over 127,000 recoveries and more than 24,000 fatalities. Certain experts suggest that as many as 80% of those infected exhibit mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, potentially leading to millions of unnoticed infections. However, further research and extensive testing are required to determine a more precise figure. Are younger individuals at a lower risk of dying from the virus? While younger people may be less susceptible, they can still contract COVID-19 and require hospitalization. The extent of their safety is still unknown. The World Health Organization indicates that older individuals with pre-existing conditions are more likely to develop severe illness, while a US health official suggested that the mortality rate for males is higher than that of females in all age groups. Health experts have warned that individuals with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. Additionally, the possibility of re-infection is being considered. This question is crucial, and the answer is still unknown. Some recovered patients have experienced possible "reinfection", although most experts believe these cases are more likely relapses. Even after testing negative for the virus in their nose and throat, a patient may still have the virus elsewhere in their body. Fully recovered patients have antibodies in their blood that should provide protection against new infections, but the duration of this protection remains uncertain. Some viruses may cause antibodies to diminish more quickly. Even if antibodies remain, SARS-CoV-2 could evolve over time like flu viruses, making antibodies ineffective. Various academic labs and medical companies are working on blood tests to identify those who have been infected and developed immunity. Serological testing will help determine the true scope of the pandemic. The timeline for treatments or a vaccine remains uncertain. Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications tailored to the new coronavirus. Treatment primarily aims to alleviate symptoms, including providing breathing support. Various companies globally are working to create vaccines, with some already conducting initial safety trials on humans. However, experts believe it may take at least a year to fully develop and test a vaccine. Another challenge arises: viruses have the ability to mutate rapidly. Several researchers have noticed slight alterations in SARS-CoV-2 since it first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December. However, recent research indicates that the virus is fairly stable, indicating that vaccines should remain effective once they are developed. Some experts have questioned whether the virus spreads more slowly in warmer climates, with hopes that the arrival of summer will naturally slow down the virus. The European Centre for Disease Control stated on Wednesday that the virus is not likely to decrease its spread. The WHO has also mentioned that the virus can be transmitted in any type of climate, including hot and humid conditions. The duration of the pandemic remains uncertain and will be influenced by various factors, such as the length of time people practice isolation and avoid gatherings, as well as the availability of effective drugs or a vaccine. President Donald Trump expressed his desire to "reopen" the U.S. economy by Easter Sunday on April 12, but his decision has been met with criticism for potentially rushing the process and increasing the risk of more deaths. In Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak originated, life has slowly begun to return to normal after a two-month lockdown. The possibility of another outbreak remains uncertain. The question of whether the severity of illness from the virus is determined by the amount of exposure to it also lingers. Viruses can invade the body and infect cells, using them to replicate in large numbers. The initial number of virus particles entering the body has little impact on the overall amount of virus present. However, repeated exposure does increase the likelihood of the virus entering the body. The International Monetary Fund predicts that the global pandemic will lead to a recession in 2020 that may be more severe than the one caused by the 2008 financial crisis. The extent of the recession, its duration, and the type of recovery that will follow are all subjects of ongoing discussion. Economists believe the impact of the lockdowns will depend on their duration and the government's support for individuals, businesses, and markets. Emergency spending in the trillions of dollars is aimed at aiding financial markets and the real economy. Government measures, like the $2 trillion US stimulus package, are expected to inject cash into the economy and help small businesses and individuals, but it is uncertain if these actions will be sufficient. Some investors and bank strategists are considering whether now is a good time to invest in the world's stock markets, which have dropped by about 25% since February. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has expressed optimism and is reinvesting in companies he believes are well-equipped to handle the current crisis at discounted prices. However, due to uncertainties, many analysts and investors are hesitant to predict when the market will hit its lowest point.