Coronavirus: true or false? The RAUIE dispels myths about the disease

On February 13, a workshop on the impact of coronavirus on society was held. The event was organized by the Moscow Innovation Agency and the discussion was moderated by Maxim Kuznetsov, Vice-President of the RAUIE.



The theme of coronavirus desease has become so widespread that it now affects the global economy and politics. 46 foreign air carriers suspended flights to China, Russia canceled the Investment Forum in Sochi, under the threat is the Olympic games in Tokyo. The RAUIE has repeatedly commented on how coronavirus affects the Russian economy, exchange rates and other industries.

The panel discussion was attended by Vladimir Beloborodov, head of the department of infectious diseases at the Botkin Hospital, who noted that the peak of the disease has already been passed, and in general the significance of the disease is greatly exaggerated, since mortality from coronavirus is lower than from influenza.

Maxim Kuznetsov spoke about the economic aspects of the disease: “The Chinese authorities have taken unprecedented measures to localize the disease, which have shown their effectiveness: the number of cases outside Wuhan is reduced. From an economic point of view, of course, the effect will be. It is likely that China’s GDP growth will not be 5.8-6%, but 5.5-5.8% in 2020, but there is no reason to panic. All fears are already reflected in the prices of oil, non-ferrous metals and the ruble. We expect that by the end of the month the main consequences will be overcome. ”

During the event, participants asked experts questions and continued informal communication after. According to the results of the meeting, it can be concluded that the influence of the coronavirus is overestimated, and its impact on the world economy will soon become minimal.