However, there is still much that remains unknown. As the new coronavirus continues to spread globally, researchers, doctors, policymakers, and economists are working to answer key questions. One major question is how contagious the virus is, as it spreads through small droplets from coughing or sneezing and can survive on surfaces for several days. In addition to inhaling the virus, there is a risk of infection through touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one's nose, mouth, or eyes. While there is some indication that the virus can be transmitted through contact with infected person's feces, this has not been confirmed. How many individuals are currently infected and asymptomatic? To date, there have been over 550,000 reported cases globally, with more than 127,000 recoveries and over 24,000 deaths. Some experts believe that as many as 80% of those infected exhibit mild symptoms or show no signs at all, possibly unaware of their illness. This could mean that the actual number of infections may be in the millions. However, further research and testing are necessary to obtain a more precise figure. Are younger individuals less likely to die from the virus? Even though they are less susceptible, younger people can still contract COVID-19, which can be severe enough to necessitate hospitalization. The extent of their safety remains uncertain. The World Health Organization has stated that older individuals with pre-existing conditions such as COPD, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are more likely to develop severe illness. Additionally, a US health official noted that the mortality rate in males appears to be twice that of females in all age groups. Health experts have advised that individuals with these underlying conditions, as well as those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk. Can individuals become re-infected? This is a crucial question that remains unanswered at this point. There have been a few instances of potential "reinfection" in individuals who had previously recovered from the virus. However, many experts believe that these cases are more likely to be relapses. Even after feeling better and testing negative for the virus in their respiratory system, the virus may still be present in other parts of the body. Recovered patients typically have antibodies in their bloodstream that are expected to provide protection against a new infection, but the duration of this protection is still uncertain. Some viruses may cause antibodies to fade more quickly, and even if they remain, SARS-CoV-2 could evolve over time like the flu, making antibodies ineffective. There are efforts to develop blood tests to identify those who have been exposed and may have immunity, providing a clearer understanding of the pandemic's scope. The timeline for treatments or a vaccine remains uncertain. Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications specifically designed for the new coronavirus. Treatment at this time is centered on alleviating symptoms, particularly by providing breathing assistance. Companies globally are in a race to create vaccines, with some already conducting initial safety tests on humans. However, experts predict that it may take a year or longer to develop and test a vaccine. Another issue to consider is the rapid mutation of viruses. Researchers have noticed slight changes in SARS-CoV-2 since it first appeared in Wuhan, China in December. However, recent studies indicate that the virus is generally stable, indicating that vaccines should be effective once they are developed. Some experts have wondered if the virus spreads more slowly in hotter climates, hoping that the summer months will naturally slow its spread. The European Centre for Disease Control stated on Wednesday that the virus is unlikely to decrease its spread. The World Health Organization also mentioned that the virus can be transmitted in all types of climates, including hot and humid ones. The duration of the pandemic is uncertain and will be influenced by various factors such as how long people continue to isolate and avoid group 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 being rushed and potentially leading to an increase in deaths. In Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak began, life has slowly returned to normal after a two-month lockdown. It is uncertain whether this return to normalcy will result in another outbreak. The question remains: does the level of exposure to the virus impact the severity of illness? Viruses invade the body and infect cells, using them as factories to produce numerous copies of themselves. The initial number of virus particles that enter the body does not significantly impact the ultimate quantity of virus in the system. However, frequent exposure increases the likelihood of the virus entering the body. The International Monetary Fund anticipates that the pandemic will lead to a global recession in 2020, potentially surpassing the severity of the 2008 financial crisis. The extent and duration of the recession, as well as the type of recovery, are subjects of discussion. Economists believe the impact of the lockdowns will depend on their duration and the extent of government support for individuals, businesses, and markets during the crisis. Emergency spending in the trillions of dollars is aimed at helping financial markets and the real economy, but it is uncertain if these measures will be sufficient. Government actions, like the $2 trillion US stimulus package, are expected to provide cash to individuals and support small businesses, but it is still unclear how effective these measures will be in the long run. Some investors and bank strategists are considering whether now is a good time to invest in the world's stock markets, which have dropped approximately 25% from their peak in February. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently expressed optimism about stocks and credit, stating that he is reinvesting in companies that he believes are well-positioned to weather the current crisis. However, due to the numerous uncertainties, many analysts and investors are hesitant to predict when the market will hit its lowest point.