A brief historical account
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The outbreak was first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, leading the World Health Organization to declare a pandemic in March 2020.
The pandemic caused millions of deaths, global economic disruption, and social changes. Widespread lockdowns, mask usage, and social distancing became defining features of the early years.
Multiple vaccines were developed within a year, marking an unprecedented scientific achievement. Vaccination campaigns helped reduce mortality and severe cases worldwide.
COVID-19 reshaped healthcare, accelerated digital transformation, and highlighted the importance of global cooperation during health crises.