Virginia Tech experts on a variety of subjects are available for media interviews related to COVID-19 (commonly referred to as the novel coronavirus.)
Media experts:
Effect on Chinese and global GDP
-- Virginia Tech economics experts detail Chinese and worldwide GDP loss from Hubei province as COVID-19 rattles nations, markets
A Virginia Tech modeling study based on conservative assumptions shows losses for two months of lockdown for the Chinese GDP and worldwide GDP total, respectively, total $80 billion and $140 billion as people in affected regions have stopped going to work or socializing, and as flights are canceled and cross-country travel is restricted. (See experts' bio.)
History of epidemics
-- Expert who studies history of epidemics: ‘Panic may be the worst possible response’
A professor who studies the history of international epidemics says the United States “should look to history for guidance on how to interpret news reports” about the spread of SARS-CoV-2, previously known as the 2019 novel coronavirus. (See expert bio)
Travel and tourism impacts
-- Travel and tourism already feeling impacts of virus, according to Virginia Tech travel expert
The U.S. travel industry is already feeling the impact of the spread of coronavirus, both by the large and lucrative Chinese market, and by tourists and travelers overall who are becoming more skittish regarding travel, according to Virginia Tech expert Nancy McGehee. (See expert bio)
-- Travel expert urges caution when planning summer vacation
Many travelers are concerned about the impact of the coronavirus, staying safe and protecting their vacation investment. Virginia Tech travel and tourism expert Nancy McGehee is available for media interviews discussing dos and don’ts when it comes to planning summer vacations. (See expert bio)
Global supply chain impacts
-- Spread of coronavirus to impact the global economic supply chain, says expert
With China being a major supplier of goods to countries around the world, there will likely be short-term, but intense, disruptions to the global supply chain, says Virginia Tech expert Barbara Hoopes. (See expert bio)
-- Coronavirus disrupts global supply chain and production of U.S. consumer goods, says expert
“Smart watches, phones, video game consoles, computers, and embedded electronic components in larger goods may see the earliest impact," says Virginia Tech expert Barbara Hoopes. "These physically smaller, but higher-value goods are often handled on a just-in-time inventory basis due to shorter transit times. These are the components that will likely be missed first in both retail and production assembly operations in the U.S.” (See expert bio)
Economic effects
-- Perspectives on jittery financial markets
As the spread of the coronavirus continues to grab headlines, the uncertainty of financial markets leaves investors looking for answers. Virginia Tech’s Derek Klock encourages people not to make rash decisions in the middle of a panicky market. (See expert bio)
Origin of the virus
-- Wuhan coronavirus links origin to wild animals, says wildlife epidemiology expert
“It’s not surprising that the coronavirus first identified in Wuhan has linkages with animals, especially wildlife,” said wildlife epidemiology expert Luis Escobar. “China has important traditions related to the consumption of wildlife products, which elevates the risks for emerging diseases. While other countries and cities have high population densities and massive amounts of tourists, we do not see epidemics like the SARS or Wuhan coronaviruses that emerged in China.” (See expert bio)
What the public can do
-- Proper handwashing technique is more important than ever, says Virginia Tech food safety expert
Experts stress that washing your hands thoroughly and often is the most crucial first step to preventing the spread of illness, especially for those in food service. (See expert bio)
Our studio
Virginia Tech's television and radio studio can broadcast live HD audio and video to networks, news outlets, and affiliates interviewing Virginia Tech faculty and staff. The university does not charge for use of its studio. Video is transmitted by LTN Global Communications, Skype, or file sharing (Dropbox, Google Drive, We-Transfer, etc.). Radio interviews can be transmitted by ISDN, Comrex, or file sharing.
Additional scholars with expertise related to the global spread of the novel coronavirus will be added to this page (click here) as they become available.
More: Find additional Virginia Tech scholars with expertise in the news of the day.
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