Coronavirus Pandemic: What the WHO’s Declaration Means - TLDR News.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared COVID-19 a pandemic due to its rapid global spread. This decision, though not altering WHO's advice, emphasizes the need for urgent and aggressive action by countries. The pandemic status highlights the risk of community spread, which occurs without direct contact with the virus's origin. WHO stresses the importance of detecting, testing, treating, isolating, and tracing to control the virus. Despite challenges like resource shortages, countries must balance health protection, economic stability, and human rights. The declaration aims to raise awareness without inciting panic.

How does the definition of a pandemic differ from that of an epidemic?

What role does public awareness play in the response to a pandemic?

What challenges do countries face in managing COVID-19 outbreaks?