AstraZeneca predicts that despite being highly contagious, we will overcome the Coronavirus epidemic

The new strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, has been declared a “grave threat” by the World Health Organization (WHO) and has so far infected over 60,000 people globally. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot has described the virus as “a lot more contagious” than the flu, highlighting the need for urgent containment measures.

Soriot expressed optimism that Chinese authorities would be able to control the spread of the virus, drawing parallels to past outbreaks like H1N1. Despite the high contagion rate of COVID-19, he believes that with concerted efforts, the epidemic can be brought under control.

Researchers worldwide are racing to develop a vaccine for COVID-19, with several pharmaceutical firms actively working on potential solutions. However, medical experts caution that it could take some time before a vaccine is ready for public use.

The virus, which produces mild cold symptoms in about 80% of patients, has led to pneumonia in around 15% of cases, with 3% to 5% requiring intensive care. China’s National Health Commission reported additional deaths and new cases of COVID-19, with Hubei province being the hardest-hit region.

As the global community grapples with the rapid spread of COVID-19, the race to develop a vaccine intensifies. With the virus proving to be highly contagious, containing its spread remains a top priority for health authorities worldwide.