However, there is still a significant amount of information that researchers, doctors, policymakers, and economists do not yet know about the new coronavirus as it continues to spread globally. One of the key questions that they are still working to answer is how contagious the virus is. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is primarily spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also survive on surfaces for several days, meaning that in addition to inhaling the virus, individuals can become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their own face. While there is some evidence suggesting that the virus can be transmitted through contact with feces, this has not been confirmed. How many individuals have been infected and how many are asymptomatic? To date, over 550,000 cases have been documented globally, with over 127,000 recoveries and more than 24,000 deaths. Some experts suggest that as many as 80% of those infected display no or mild symptoms, potentially not even realizing they are ill. This could mean that millions of individuals may have been infected. However, further research and widespread testing are needed to obtain a more precise estimate. Are younger individuals at a lower risk of dying from the virus? Although younger people are 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 noted that the mortality rate in males is twice that of women in all age groups. Health experts have warned that individuals with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. The possibility of reinfection is also being considered. This question is crucial, as the answer is still unknown. Some recovered patients have experienced possible "reinfection," although most experts think these are more likely to be relapses. Even after testing negative for the virus in their nose and throat, a patient may still have the virus in other parts of their body. Fully recovered individuals have antibodies in their blood that should provide protection against a new infection, but the duration of this protection is uncertain. Some viruses may cause antibodies to disappear more quickly. Even if antibodies remain, SARS-CoV-2 could evolve over time like flu viruses, making antibodies less effective. Various academic labs and medical companies are working on developing blood tests to identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus and who may have developed immunity. Serological testing will also provide a more comprehensive understanding of the pandemic's scope. When can we expect treatments or a vaccine to be available? As of now, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications specifically designed for the new coronavirus. Current treatment strategies primarily aim to alleviate symptoms, such as providing breathing assistance. Worldwide, companies are working diligently to create vaccines for the virus. Some have already begun early safety trials in humans, but it is predicted that it may take over a year to develop and thoroughly test a vaccine. Another issue to consider is that viruses have the ability to mutate rapidly. A few scientists 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 still be successful once they are developed. There was some speculation among experts that the virus may spread more slowly in warmer climates, with hopes that the arrival of summer would naturally slow the virus down. The European Centre for Disease Control stated that the spread of the virus is unlikely to decrease. The World Health Organization also mentioned that the virus can be transmitted in all types of climates. The duration of the pandemic is uncertain and will be influenced by various factors such as people's adherence to isolation measures and the availability of effective drugs or a vaccine. President Donald Trump announced his desire to have the U.S. economy "reopen" by Easter Sunday on April 12, despite concerns that this timeline may be too rushed and result in more fatalities. Life in Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak originated, has slowly begun to normalize after a two-month lockdown, raising questions about the possibility of another outbreak. It remains uncertain whether the level of exposure to the virus affects the severity of illness in individuals. Viruses invade the body and infect cells, using them as factories to produce many copies of themselves, so the initial quantity of virus particles entering the body does not significantly impact the total virus count in the system. However, frequent exposure does increase the likelihood of virus entry. The International Monetary Fund predicts that the pandemic will lead to a global recession in 2020, potentially surpassing the severity of the 2008 financial crisis. The duration and intensity of the recession, as well as the nature of the economic recovery, are subjects of ongoing discussion. According to economists, the impact of the current lockdowns will depend on their duration and the extent of government support provided to individuals, businesses, and markets during the crisis. Emergency spending in the trillions of dollars is aimed at assisting the economy, with central bank measures supporting financial markets and government stimulus packages putting money in the hands of individuals and businesses. It is still uncertain whether these measures will be sufficient to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. Some investors and bank strategists are beginning to consider if now is a favorable moment to invest in the world's stock markets, which have dropped around 25% from their peak in February. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently stated that he is feeling more optimistic about stocks and credit, and is reinvesting in companies he believes in at discounted prices. However, due to the numerous uncertainties surrounding the market, several analysts and investors are hesitant to predict when the market will hit its lowest point.