The global economic recovery from the crisis originated by the coronavirus pandemic may take as much as five years, the World Bank's chief economist Carmen Reinhart said on Thursday.

"There will probably be a quick rebound as all the restriction measures linked to lockdowns are lifted, but a full recovery will take as much as five years," Reinhart said during a conference held in Madrid.

Reinhart said the pandemic-caused recession will last longer in some countries than in others and will exacerbate inequalities, as the poorest will be hit harder by the crisis in rich countries and the poorest countries will suffer more than richer countries.

For the first time in 20 years, global poverty rates will rise following the crisis, she added.

(With input from Reuters)