Virus will have huge socioeconomic impact in China

Subject

The socioeconomic impact of the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak.

Significance

The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak is disrupting the lives of tens of millions of workers who cannot return to their jobs because of travel restrictions and breaks in the supply chain. Many who do risk infection in the workplace. Under-equipped health workers, sanitation workers and others on the front lines face mortal danger.

Impacts

• Pressure on China’s malfunctioning health insurance system will grow.
• People from Hubei, the province at the centre of the outbreak, will face lingering discrimination.
• Online and home delivery services will boom, but this will be temporary.