However, there is still a significant amount of information that remains unknown. Researchers, doctors, policymakers, and economists are all working to answer key questions about the new coronavirus as it continues to spread globally. One of the main questions being investigated is the level of contagiousness of the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth via coughing or sneezing. It can also survive on surfaces for several days, meaning that in addition to airborne transmission, people can become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their face. There is also some speculation about the potential for transmission through fecal matter, but this has not been confirmed. How many people have been infected and are asymptomatic? Over 550,000 cases have been reported globally, with over 127,000 recoveries and more than 24,000 deaths. Some experts believe that as many as 80% of those infected display mild or no symptoms, potentially leading to millions of unreported cases. However, further research and testing are necessary to determine a more precise figure. 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 uncertain. The World Health Organization suggests that older individuals with pre-existing conditions tend to experience more severe illness, while a US health official noted a higher mortality rate in males compared to females in all age groups. Health experts have warned that individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. Can individuals become infected again? This is an important question that remains unanswered. While there have been some cases of potential "reinfection" in recovered patients, most scientists think these are more likely to be relapses. Even though a patient may feel better and test negative for the virus in their nose and throat, the virus could still be present in other parts of their body. Fully recovered patients have antibodies in their blood that are expected to provide protection against new infections, but the duration of this protection is still unknown. Some viruses cause antibodies to disappear more quickly, and even if they remain, SARS-CoV-2 could change slightly over time like the flu virus does, making antibodies ineffective. Many academic labs and medical companies are working on blood tests to identify those who have been infected and if some have gained immunity. These tests will also help to understand the true scale of the pandemic. It is uncertain when treatments or a vaccine will be available. As of now, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications tailored to the novel coronavirus. Current treatment primarily aims to alleviate symptoms, including providing respiratory support. Pharmaceutical companies globally are working diligently to create vaccines, with some already initiating early safety trials in humans. However, experts caution that it may take a year or longer to develop and thoroughly test a vaccine. An additional challenge is that viruses have the ability to mutate rapidly. Several scientists have noticed slight variations in the virus since it first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December as SARS-CoV-2. However, recent research indicates that the virus is fairly stable, indicating that vaccines should remain effective once they are developed. Some experts had speculated that the virus may spread more slowly in warmer climates, with hopes that the arrival of summer would naturally slow its spread. The European Centre for Disease Control stated that the virus is unlikely to decrease its spread. The World Health Organization also mentioned that the virus can be transmitted in various climates. The duration of the pandemic is uncertain and will depend on factors such as people's adherence to isolation measures and the availability of effective treatments or vaccines. President Donald Trump recently expressed his desire to "reopen" the U.S. economy by Easter Sunday on April 12, a move that has been met with concerns about the potential consequences of rushing the process. In Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak originated, life has slowly begun to return to normal after a two-month lockdown. However, there is uncertainty about whether this return to normalcy will trigger a new outbreak. It is still unknown whether the severity of illness from the virus is determined by the amount of exposure. Viruses invade the body and infect cells, using them as factories to replicate themselves in large numbers, meaning the initial amount of virus particles entering the body does not significantly impact the overall virus levels. However, repeated exposure does increase the likelihood of the virus entering the body. The International Monetary Fund predicts that the pandemic will lead to a global recession in 2020, potentially worse than the 2008 financial crisis. The severity and duration of the recession, as well as the type of recovery, are subjects of ongoing discussion. Economists believe that the impact of the lockdowns will largely depend on their duration and the extent of government support provided to individuals, businesses, and markets during the crisis. Central bank actions have aimed to keep financial markets functioning, which in turn supports the real economy by facilitating short-term cash flow for companies and funding for public projects. Government initiatives, like the $2 trillion US stimulus package, are expected to inject cash into the economy and provide additional support to small businesses and corporations. However, the effectiveness of these measures is still uncertain and it remains to be seen if they will be sufficient. Is now a favorable moment for investment? Some investors and bank strategists are considering the possibility of re-entering the global stock markets, which have dropped around 25% from their peak in February. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently expressed a more positive outlook on stocks and credit, stating that he is reinvesting in companies he believes in at discounted prices that can weather the current crisis. However, due to the numerous uncertainties, a significant number of analysts and investors are hesitant to predict when the market will hit bottom.