COVID-19 pandemic

The first reported cases of a mysterious new respiratory illness are identified in the city of Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Health officials experience an unexpected rise in patients with pneumonia-like symptoms, which are initially linked to a seafood market in Wuhan. This marks the beginning of a global pandemic that will eventually be named COVID-19.

On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declares the novel coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This declaration is made as the virus spreads beyond China to over 18 countries, though it is not yet labeled a pandemic. The PHEIC alerts countries to implement measures to control the spread of the virus.

The World Health Organization officially characterizes COVID-19 as a pandemic. The decision comes as the number of COVID-19 cases outside China has increased 13-fold and the number of affected countries has tripled within two weeks. This marks the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus. It underscores the severity of the outbreak and the necessity for global cooperative measures.

Italy surpasses China as the nation with the most COVID-19 related deaths, reporting over 3,400 fatalities to China's reported 3,245. This grim milestone occurs as Italy faces a severe health crisis with overwhelmed healthcare facilities, particularly in the Lombardy region. Italy's challenges highlight the virus's power and lead to further lockdowns to slow the virus spread.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces a nationwide lockdown for 21 days to combat the spread of COVID-19. With over 1.3 billion people under lockdown, it is one of the most extensive measures taken by any country to contain the coronavirus. The decision is made as confirmed cases in India begin to rise, and it aims to flatten the curve and equip the healthcare system for challenges.

Pharmaceutical company Pfizer announces that its COVID-19 vaccine, developed in partnership with BioNTech, has achieved an efficacy rate exceeding 90% in preventing the disease in clinical trials. This announcement offers a significant breakthrough and hope in the global fight against the pandemic, as vaccines are anticipated to play a crucial role in controlling and eventually ending the pandemic.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, BNT162b2. This authorization marks a pivotal step in the effort to combat COVID-19 and represents the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized for emergency use in the United States. The decision allows for the vaccine's distribution and administration to begin in high-risk groups.

As of January 26, 2021, the worldwide count of confirmed COVID-19 cases exceeds 100 million. This staggering figure emphasizes the rapid spread and significant impact of COVID-19 across the globe. Countries continue to face challenges with vaccine distribution, new variants, and healthcare system capacity. The milestone reflects ongoing global efforts to vaccinate populations and contain the virus.

July 19, 2021, dubbed 'Freedom Day', marks the lifting of most COVID-19 restrictions in England, including social distancing measures and mandatory face coverings. The government makes this decision as part of its 'Living with COVID' strategy, despite facing criticism and warning from some scientists about potential risks. The decision highlights different approaches to managing the pandemic globally.

In response to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Shanghai, one of China's major cities, enforces a strict lockdown, impacting millions of residents. The lockdown is part of China's zero-COVID strategy aimed at completely eradicating the virus's transmission within the country. This movement control leads to logistical challenges and economic concerns, drawing attention to varying international pandemic response.