This article analyzes the economic impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and puts forward with five basic insights concerning the degree of the impact, its duration, its key areas, and its quantitative calculation, among other aspects. The article holds that it is necessary to have a more objective understanding and judgement of how the virus affects the economy, particularly gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2020Q1 and the entire year. Only on the basis of reasonable analysis can we better grasp measures required to cope with the economic impact, combined with more targeted policy launch and adjustment, so as to speed economic recovery to its normal level.