Introduction

The WHO (World Health Organization) COVID-19 global pandemic declaration on March 11, 2020 was a most significant event in modern history. The announcement highlighted both the seriousness and the speed of the spread of the virus, which has far-reaching consequences for societies across the globe.

The WHO’s Declaration

The Lead-Up

Before it declared a pandemic, the WHO had previously declared COVID-19 to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on 30 January 2020. As of that date, there were 7,818 confirmed cases worldwide in 19 countries in five WHO regions.

The Announcement

By March 11, 2020, COVID-19 had reached 114 countries and the WHO declared it a pandemic. Its move from “emergency” to “pandemic” signaled the growing worldwide crisis and the critical need for coordinated global action.

Global Reactions

United States

Here are a few notable events from that day in the United States:

• Government Response: Dr. Anthony Fauci told Congress the pandemic would get worse and could include “many, many millions” of cases.
• Travel Restrictions: President Donald Trump imposed a 30-day suspension of all travel between the United States and Europe (except the United Kingdom).
• Stock Market Impact: The Dow Jones Industrial Average tumbled more than 1,400 points, illustrating concern over the economy.
• Entertainment Industry: The actor Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, revealed that they had contracted COVID-19, bringing the virus’s impact much closer to the public eye.
• Sports: The N.B.A. suspended its season indefinitely after a player tested positive for the virus.

Europe

• Denmark: The government ordered all schools, universities, and kindergartens to close for two weeks.
• Poland: The authorities closed all educational institutions for two weeks to reduce the spread of the virus.

Asia

• India: The government suspended most visas and mandated quarantine measures for those traveling into the country from March 13 to April 15.

Impact on Daily Life

Healthcare Systems

Around the world, hospitals grappled with new challenges, many teetering on or over capacity. Healthcare workers were on the front lines of treatment, often without adequate personal protective equipment, resulting in increased infection rates among medical personnel.

Education

The sudden shutdown of schools led to a quick transition to online education. However, this transition also stressed the pre-existing inequalities in educational access, as not all students had access to the digital resources necessary for online learning, increasing the educational achievement gap among students.

Economy

World economies went into recession, with sectors such as tourism, hospitality, and retail taking a massive hit. Jobless rates shot up, and governments rolled out stimulus packages to save the economy.

Long-Term Consequences

Mental Health

The pandemic has also driven up rates of mental health problems, with rising levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness being reported. Lockdowns and social distancing measures also exacerbated feelings of isolation and increased demand for mental health services.

Social Inequalities

Old social inequalities were amplified during the pandemic. Communities already at the margins saw higher rates of infection, less access to health care, and greater economic distress. The pandemic was the magnifying glass, spotlighting systemic inequities.

Technological Adoption

The crisis significantly accelerated the adoption of digital technologies. Remote work from home became the new norm, telemedicine went on the rise, and e-commerce boomed.

Reflections Five Years Later

Five years since the pandemic was declared, the world is still dealing with the pandemic’s aftermath:

• Health care: There are vaccines to protect against the worst effects of COVID-19 and the virus has receded through most of the world, but issues like long Covid and shortages in the health care workforce remain.
• Economy: Some sectors have bounced back, but others — especially ones contingent on face-to-face contact — have yet to recover.
• Societal: The pandemic has transformed societal norms, and their long-lasting effects can be felt in work culture, and social interactions.

Conclusion

March 11, 2020, marks a turning point in human history. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges and transformed societies in ways yet to be fully comprehended. Today as we look back at the past five years, it is important to recognize the resilience shown and the lessons learned to ensure we are better prepared for future global health crises.

FAQs

1. Why is March 11, 2020, significant?

Today in 2020 COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the WHO, meaning that the virus was affecting people globally and in many instances severely.

2. How did countries react to the pandemic declaration initially?

Reactions included travel restrictions, lockdowns, and the closure of education institutions in an attempt to limit the spread of the virus.

3. What were the initial economic effects of the pandemic?

Global stock exchanges crashed, unemployment rates soared and sectors such as tourism and hospitality suffered huge hits.

4. What was the global impact of the pandemic on mental health?

Lockdowns and social distancing increased anxiety, depression, and loneliness significantly.

5. What permanent social changes are here to stay because of the pandemic?

The pandemic fast-tracked the take-up of digital tools, changed working patterns and exposed longstanding social inequities.