WHO declares COVID-19 a global pandemic

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

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated, “We are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction. We have therefore made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.”

The declaration of a pandemic indicates the worldwide spread of a new disease, affecting a large number of people. It does not refer to the severity of the illness.

Earlier, the WHO had refrained from using the term “pandemic,” instead referring to the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise globally, countries are implementing strict measures to contain the virus and prevent further spread.