COVID-19. Overview and main events
Overview and main events
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a global pandemic that has significantly impacted human health, economies, and societal structures worldwide. Since its emergence, the pandemic has led to unprecedented measures to control its spread, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, and the rapid development of vaccines. Here is a timeline of key events and milestones in the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 17, 2019
First Human Cases Identified
The first human cases of COVID-19 occurred in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. These cases were associated with an atypical pneumonia-like illness that did not respond well to standard treatments. The initial cases were linked to the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan.
December 31, 2019
WHO Notification
The World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in China was informed of several cases of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China. This marked the beginning of international awareness of the outbreak.
January 30, 2020
Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The WHO declared the COVID-19 outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), highlighting the global significance of the outbreak and the need for coordinated international response.
March 11, 2020
Pandemic Declaration
The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, following more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries and over 4,291 deaths. This declaration underscored the global spread and severity of the virus.
March 13, 2020
Nationwide Emergency in the United States
The Trump Administration declared a nationwide emergency in the United States, issuing additional travel bans and other measures to combat the spread of the virus. This marked a significant escalation in the U.S. response to the pandemic.
April 2020
Global Peak and Economic Impact
By April 2020, the pandemic had reached its peak in many countries, with widespread cases and significant economic disruption. The U.S. surpassed Italy and Spain as a global hotspot for the virus, and measures such as lockdowns and travel restrictions were in place globally.
April 30, 2020
Operation Warp Speed
The Trump Administration launched Operation Warp Speed, an initiative to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. This effort played a crucial role in the rapid development and deployment of vaccines.
December 2020
First Vaccine Approvals
The first COVID-19 vaccines, developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, received emergency use authorization from regulatory bodies such as the FDA. This marked a significant turning point in the fight against the pandemic, offering a viable path towards vaccination and herd immunity.
May 5, 2023
End of Public Health Emergency of International Concern
The WHO ended the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) status for COVID-19, indicating a reduction in the global threat posed by the virus. However, the pandemic was still considered ongoing, with continued vigilance and public health measures recommended.
2023-2024
Ongoing Management and Vaccination Efforts
Throughout 2023 and into 2024, countries continued to manage the pandemic through vaccination campaigns, booster shots, and updated public health guidelines. Efforts to vaccinate the global population and prepare for future variants remained a priority.
