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The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic is an ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).^[a] The outbreak was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019,^[4] declared to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January 2020, and recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on 11 March 2020.^[8][9] As of 15 April 2020, more than 1.98 million cases^[5] of COVID-19 have been reported in 210 countries and territories,^[6] resulting in more than 126,000 deaths. More than 486,000 people have recovered,^[5] although there may be a possibility of relapse or reinfection.^[10][11] The deaths per diagnosed cases varies significantly between countries.^[12]
The virus is primarily spread between people during close contact,^[c] often via small droplets produced by coughing,^[d] sneezing, or talking.^[13][14][16] While these droplets are produced when breathing out, they usually fall to the ground or onto surfaces rather than being infectious over long distances.^[13][17][18] People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their face.^[13][14] The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours.^[19] It is most contagious during the first three days after the onset of symptoms, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later stages of the disease.^[20] Common symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath.^[21] Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome.^[22] The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days, but may range from two to fourteen days.^[21][23] There is no known vaccine or specific antiviral treatment.^[13] Primary treatment is symptomatic and supportive therapy.^[24]
Recommended preventive measures include hand washing, covering one's mouth when coughing, maintaining distance from other people, and monitoring and self-isolation for people who suspect they are infected.^[13][25] Authorities worldwide have responded by implementing travel restrictions, quarantines, curfews and stay-at-home orders, workplace hazard controls, and facility closures.
The pandemic has led to severe global socioeconomic disruption,^[26] the postponement or cancellation of sporting, religious, political and cultural events,^[27] and widespread shortages of supplies exacerbated by panic buying.^[28][29] Schools, universities and colleges have closed either on a nationwide or local basis in 197 countries, affecting approximately 99.9 per cent of the world's student population.^[30] Misinformation about the virus has spread online,^[31][32] and there have been incidents of xenophobia and discrimination against Chinese people and against those perceived as being Chinese or as being from areas with high infection rates.^{[33][34][35][36]} Due to reduced travel and closures of heavy industry, there has been a decrease in air pollution and carbon emissions.^[37][38]