The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and quickly spread worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency on January 30, 2020, and classified it as a pandemic on March 11. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, commonly including fever, sore throat, and fatigue. The virus primarily spreads through airborne particles, and numerous variants have emerged.
Vaccines were rapidly developed and rolled out starting in December 2020, aiming for global equity through initiatives like COVAX. Mitigation measures included travel restrictions, lockdowns, and mask mandates. The pandemic resulted in significant social and economic disruption, leading to the largest global recession since the Great Depression, with widespread supply shortages and shifts to telework for many workers.
The WHO ended the public health emergency for COVID-19 on May 5, 2023, although the disease continues to circulate. By January 21, 2025, COVID-19 was responsible for over 7 million confirmed deaths, making it one of the deadliest pandemics in history.