The COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by a new coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2, which spreads mainly through respiratory droplets when people cough, sneeze, or talk. It emerged in late 2019 and rapidly affected countries worldwide, leading to millions of infections and deaths. Symptoms range from mild to severe, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. To control its spread, measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, testing, and vaccination were implemented. The pandemic significantly impacted healthcare systems, economies, and daily life, highlighting the importance of global collaboration and public health preparedness.