<p>The new coronavirus epidemic poses a "serious threat" to people and the world economy, and will slow growth below the 2.9 per cent posted last year, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Wednesday.</p>.<p>The COVID-19 outbreak "is no longer a regional issue, it is a global problem (that) calls for a global response," Georgieva said.</p>.<p>The epidemic's impact on confidence and steps to contain it are impacting economic activity, with the result that "global growth in 2020 will dip below last year's levels," she said.</p>.<p>The IMF in January forecast growth this year of 3.3 per cent, which means at least a half-point will be lost to the virus.</p>
<p>The new coronavirus epidemic poses a "serious threat" to people and the world economy, and will slow growth below the 2.9 per cent posted last year, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Wednesday.</p>.<p>The COVID-19 outbreak "is no longer a regional issue, it is a global problem (that) calls for a global response," Georgieva said.</p>.<p>The epidemic's impact on confidence and steps to contain it are impacting economic activity, with the result that "global growth in 2020 will dip below last year's levels," she said.</p>.<p>The IMF in January forecast growth this year of 3.3 per cent, which means at least a half-point will be lost to the virus.</p>