Coronavirus: How is it affecting the economy? - BBC Newsnight

The human cost of the coronavirus outbreak is climbing across China and beyond. The economic cost is also mounting, mainly, but not only, in China. So what is the global economic impact of Covid-19?

That damage is, for the most part, not due to the virus itself so much as efforts to prevent it spreading.

There are strict restrictions on moving out of Wuhan, where the outbreak began, a city with a population of 11 million.

The lockdown, also now extended to other parts of Hubei province, prevents business-related travel as well as the movement of goods and workers.

Fear of the virus also means many people will choose to avoid activities they think might expose them to the risk of infection. So restaurants, cinemas, transport providers, hotels and shops are all quickly feeling the impact.

Business editor Helen Thomas reports.

Our coverage on the coronavirus outbreak:

#Coronavirus #Covid19 #2019nCov

Newsnight is the BBC's flagship news and current affairs TV programme - with analysis, debate, exclusives, and robust interviews.

[johnmajor]

Arrr....all these Nonsens comments about: „Bring manufacturing home etc.“ No! This would result in job losses across Europe and the US while driving up product costs. This is called comperative advantage

[outbackeddie]

Here's another fine mess we've gotten ourselves into.

[HelloWorld-nsgt]

Our Australian federal health minister today (while laughing) said we don't need to use masks and please everyone go to your local China town have dinner and help the economy. Almost word for word.
WTF

[matthewjandecka]

Economics. lol Weren't they ever told not to put all of their eggs in one basket?

[wendy]

Covid-19 needs more coverage. Prepare your people.

[firstnamelastname]

China = untrustworthy

Who= untrustworthy



Both should be held accountable and boycotted

[BartSimpson-jdvs]

I wish Ilived in the 50s or 60s...no globalization..no internet...no signs of climate change...peaceful summers...

[peterhouston]

cheap holidays to China this year, anyone interested?

[parodienonrichieste]

well not good because here in italy we have 50k people in self-quarantine, (lumbardy) so the things not goes well at all.

[timedmonds]

We see a transmission rating of 4.01 (how many one infects on average) It is hitting 3rd world countries which have no way of screening, or hope of containment.


Were calling 60 Million dead mostly sick/old dying before it burns itself out.

[Mike_]

Definitely a glass almost empty person at 0:56 ...

[uraharasshop]

Is money all that matters here? God it’s sick

[SurRon-GLE]

Global Greed is Killing Us map the home of your elected officials and prepare for Battle GREED has brought us all hear

[jzilla]

Hopefully the chinese economy and currency tanks. HARD.

[Isclachau]

Any chance of a story Newsnight on why the BBC has lost all credibility?

[kellyedey]

No brainer shut the boarders especially from Asian countries, I mean they must realize it is the sensible thing to do.

[dannysze]

it might lead to global economy collapse.

[zhipphow]

Lord Jesus...You have our attention! Let us all Repent of our Sin, let us all ask Jesus into our lives/hearts! I pray Jesus heal our bodies, and comfort those with loss! Jesus IS...Follow HIM today, and Forever! Jesus, Teach us to Forgive, Teach us to Serve all your Children, in Your Scripture, in Love! Amen!!! - Big Will ... Servant of Jesus Christ

[leonsong]

You should blame your government, guys. Do you want WHO have any power to ask the different government to isolate the people??? China has give the other countries so long time, more than one month, to prepare for the battle with virus. You should introspect why your government didn’t pay attention to that instead of shout here. And he only said don’t need the excessive measures and discrimination.

[lance]

Brings down communist China then the virus was well worth it.