Is swine flu a threat to the worldwide economy?
Now that the MPs expenses scandal is out of the way the UK press is dominated by the swine flu pandemic which is sweeping the world. As the newspapers sensationalise more and more deaths in the UK associated with swine flu there is a serious risk that it could in some shape or form affect the ongoing recovery of the worldwide economy.
In simple terms, with the UK authorities expect 30% of the population to be infected and to 65,000 deaths before the situation is under control, there are serious issues to consider. Even if the totals are over pessimistic there is no doubt that tens of millions of people will contract the virus and ultimately be confined to home thereby placing more pressure on the workplace. There is also the impact of treatment requirements on the NHS which will push current staff numbers to the limit and require significant additional funding from the government.
The fear that panic could spread throughout the UK, and the worldwide population, potentially exacerbating a problem which is potentially controllable is growing. The way in which the UK government and governments around the world tackle the issue will ultimately decide the direction of the worldwide economy and local economies around the globe. It is difficult to be pessimistic without causing panic and also dangerous to underplay what is potentially a life-threatening situation.
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