COVID-19: The Past, Present, and Future

Dear Asian Youth,

The pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives. Here are some major events in humanity’s journey to fighting COVID-19:

December 31, 2019: First pneumonia case of unknown origin in Hubei, China.

January 10, 2020: The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies the coronavirus with reference to SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome), in addition to assessing tools and devising plans.

January 11-12, 2020: China releases the coronavirus genome, enabling others to develop diagnostic kits across the world.

January 13, 2020: Incubation period of coronavirus identified as 14 days.

January 13, 2020: Thailand's Ministry of Public Health announced that they have the first case of the coronavirus outside of China.

January 23, 2020: Quarantine placed on Wuhan, China, restricting travel both in and out.

January 30, 2020: The World Health Organization declares the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern.

February 11, 2020: The World Health Organization names this strand of coronavirus, COVID-19.

February to March 2020: Additional preparedness efforts are put in place such as handwashing techniques, training of doctors and nurses, and monetary and supplemental donations to medical personnel.

March 3, 2020: Shortage of protective equipment for health workers is at its peak. The WHO estimates that industries must increase manufacturing by 40% to meet demands.

March 10, 2020: Elderly people identified as a high-risk group for COVID-19.

March 11, 2020: WHO categorizes COVID-19 as a pandemic.

March 19, 2020: Governor of California, Gavin Newsom enables statewide stay-at-home order.

March 20, 2020: Director-General announces that young people are not immune to the virus and that COVID-19 still has the