WHO declares COVID-19 a pandemic, March 11, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, emerged in Wuhan, China, in late 2019. The World Health Organization declared it a pandemic due to its rapid global spread. The virus is transmitted primarily via respiratory droplets, affecting notably the pulmonary system. They infect cells by binding to proteins in their surface using their so-called spike proteins. COVID-19 resulted in 7 million+ deaths and 770 million+ cases globally, with the United States, India, and Brazil among the most affected countries. It led to unprecedented public health responses, including lockdowns, travel restrictions, mask mandates, and social distancing to curb the virus's spread. Healthcare systems worldwide were strained, with a significant impact on economies, education, and daily life. Vaccination emerged as a key tool in managing the pandemic, with multiple vaccines, including some highly innovative based on mRNA, developed at an unprecedented pace. These efforts, along with public health measures, played crucial roles in reducing the incidence and severity of the disease, illustrating the importance of science and solidarity in addressing global health challenges. On the other side, COVID-19 misinformation spread rapidly, impacting public behavior and health responses, fueling vaccine hesitancy. Also, persistent symptoms post-recovery, called Long COVID, are still affecting daily life. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/COVID-19_pandemic Art&Text🫶ChatGPT.