World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a global pandemic

The World Health Organization has officially declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. This announcement comes as the virus continues to spread rapidly around the world, affecting over 100 countries and territories.

According to the WHO, a pandemic is defined as the worldwide spread of a new disease. The organization made this declaration in light of the alarming levels of spread and severity of the virus.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “We have never before seen a pandemic sparked by a coronavirus. And we have never before seen a pandemic that can be controlled at the same time.”

Dr. Tedros emphasized the need for countries to take urgent and aggressive action to contain the spread of the virus and protect their populations. He also urged countries to prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with underlying health conditions.