COVID-19

Before we understand the impact of

COVID-19 on the globe and the impact
it has, we must first understand what
COVID-19 is.
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an
infectious disease caused by the
SARS-CoV-2 virus.
• Most people infected with the virus
will experience mild to moderate
respiratory illness and recover
without requiring special treatment.
However, some will become seriously
ill and require medical attention.
Older people and those with
underlying medical conditions like
cardiovascular disease, diabetes,
chronic respiratory disease, or
cancer are more likely to develop
serious illness. Anyone can get sick
with COVID-19 and become
seriously ill or die at any age.
The best way to prevent and slow down
transmission is to be well informed about
the disease and how the virus spreads.
Protect yourself and others from
infection by staying at least 1 meter
apart from others, wearing a properly
fitted mask, and washing your hands or
using an alcohol-based rub frequently.
The virus can spread from an infected
person’s mouth or nose in small liquid
particles when they cough, sneeze,
speak, sing or breathe.

These particles range from larger

respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols.
Some Key Features of COVID-19
include:

1. Transmission: COVID-19 primarily

spreads through respiratory droplets
produced when an infected person
coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. It
can also spread by touching
surfaces or objects contaminated
with the virus and then touching the
face, particularly the eyes, nose, or
mouth.

2. Symptoms: The symptoms of COVID-

19 can range from mild to severe
and may include fever, cough,
shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle
or body aches, loss of taste or smell,
sore throat, and gastrointestinal
issues. In severe cases, the infection
can lead to pneumonia, acute
respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS),
organ failure, and death.
Incubation period: The incubation
period for COVID-19 is typically 2 to 14
days, during which an infected person
may not show any symptoms but can
still spread the virus to others.

3. Preventive Measures: To prevent the

spread of COVID-19, public health
authorities recommend practices
such as frequent handwashing,
wearing face masks, maintaining
physical distance from others,
avoiding large gatherings, and
staying home when feeling unwell.

4. Vaccination: In response to the

pandemic, various vaccines have
been developed and approved for
emergency use to help protect
individuals from COVID-19.
Vaccination campaigns have been
conducted worldwide to control the
spread of the virus and reduce its
impact on healthcare systems.
5. Impact on Society: COVID-19 has
had significant socio-economic
impacts, including disruptions to
economies, education systems,
healthcare systems, and daily life. It
has put immense pressure on
healthcare facilities and frontline
workers, prompting countries to
implement various containment
measures and travel restrictions to
slow the spread of the virus.
Transmission

COVID-19 primarily spreads through

respiratory droplets when an infected
person coughs, sneezes, talks, or
breathes. The virus can also spread by
touching surfaces or objects
contaminated with the virus and then
touching the face, particularly the eyes,
nose, or mouth. Let's delve deeper into
the modes of transmission:
1. Respiratory Droplets: The most
common mode of COVID-19
transmission is through respiratory
droplets expelled by an infected
person. When an infected individual
talks, coughs, sneezes, or even
breathes, tiny droplets containing the
virus are released into the air. These
droplets can be inhaled by nearby
people, potentially infecting them.
2. Close Contact: COVID-19 can
also spread through close contact
with an infected person, especially if
they are not wearing masks or not
following physical distancing
guidelines. Close contact refers to
being within about six feet of an
infected individual for a prolonged
period, such as having a
conversation or being in a crowded
space.

3. Aerosol Transmission: In certain

situations, the virus can be
transmitted via smaller respiratory
particles known as aerosols. These
aerosols can remain suspended in
the air for longer periods and be
inhaled by people who are further
away from the infected person,
especially in poorly ventilated indoor
spaces.
Surface Contamination: COVID-19 can
survive on surfaces for varying lengths of
time, depending on the type of surface.
If an infected person touches their face
and then touches surfaces or objects,
they may leave behind viral particles. If
another person touches these
contaminated surfaces and then
touches their face, they can become
infected.

4. Fecal-Oral Transmission: Although not

a primary mode of transmission, there
have been reports of COVID-19
transmission through fecal
contamination. This can happen if
people do not practice proper hand
hygiene after using the bathroom
and then touch their face or eat
without washing their hands.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely from
mild to severe and may appear 2 to 14
days after exposure to the virus. Some
individuals may experience no symptoms
(asymptomatic), while others may develop
a range of symptoms. Here are the
common symptoms associated with
COVID-19:

1. Fever: A fever is one of the most

common symptoms of COVID-19. It is
generally considered a body
temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
2. Cough: A dry cough is another common

symptom. It may be persistent and can

range from mild to severe.
3. Shortness of Breath or Difficulty

Breathing: Some individuals, especially

those with severe cases, may
experience difficulty breathing or
shortness of breath. If you have severe
symptoms, seek medical attention
immediately.
4. Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is a
common symptom of COVID-19,
especially in the early stages of the
infection.
5. Muscle or Body Aches: Many people

with COVID-19 report experiencing

muscle or body aches, which can
range from mild to severe.
6. Loss of Taste or Smell: Anosmia (loss

of smell) and ageusia (loss of taste)

are symptoms that some COVID-19
patients may experience.
7. Sore Throat: A sore throat can be a

symptom of COVID-19, but it can

also be caused by other respiratory
infections.
8. Congestion or Runny Nose: Some

individuals may experience nasal

congestion or a runny nose,
although this is more common with
other respiratory viruses like the
common cold.
 9. Headache: Headaches, sometimes
severe, have been reported in some
COVID-19 cases.

It's important to note that some

individuals, especially older adults and
those with underlying health conditions,
may experience more severe
symptoms, including difficulty breathing,
chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face,
and an inability to wake or stay awake.
If you or someone you know
experiences severe symptoms, seek
medical attention immediately.
Preventive Measures

1. Wearing Masks: Wearing masks,

particularly in indoor or crowded
settings, helps prevent the spread of
respiratory droplets that may contain
the virus. Masks protect both the
wearer and those around them. N95
masks offer higher filtration
efficiency, but cloth masks also
provide significant protection.
2. Practicing Physical Distancing:

Maintain a safe distance of at least

six feet from individuals who are not
from your household, especially in
public places where it's challenging
to maintain distance.
3. Frequent Handwashing: Wash hands

with soap and water for at least 20

seconds, especially after being in a
public place, touching surfaces, or
coughing/sneezing. If soap and
water are unavailable, use hand
sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoiding Large Gatherings: Limit close
contact with others, especially in large
gatherings or crowded spaces, which
can facilitate the spread of the virus.
4. Staying Home When Sick: If you're
feeling unwell, especially if you have
symptoms consistent with COVID-19,
stay home to prevent potentially
infecting others.

5. Following Travel Guidelines: Follow

travel advisories and guidelines set
by health authorities. Avoid non-
essential travel, especially to areas
with high COVID-19 transmission
rates.
6. Getting Vaccinated: COVID-19
vaccines have proven to be highly
effective in preventing severe illness,
hospitalization, and death. Getting
vaccinated not only protects you
but also contributes to community
immunity.
7. Maintaining Respiratory Hygiene:

Cover your mouth and nose with a

tissue or your elbow when you cough
or sneeze. Dispose of tissues properly
and wash your hands immediately.

8. Cleaning and Disinfecting: Regularly

clean and disinfect frequently
touched objects and surfaces, such
as doorknobs, light switches, and
smartphones.
 Global Recession
A global recession is an extended
period of economic decline around the
world. A global recession involves more
or less synchronized recessions across
many national economies, as trade
relations and international financial
systems transmit economic shocks and
the impact of recession from one
country to another.

COVID-19 Global Recession

(COVID-19 Recession)
COVID-19 has caused a global
recession primarily through its impact on
several interconnected sectors of the
economy. The pandemic led to a
unique set of circumstances that
contributed to a worldwide economic
downturn.
Causes
As a result of the rapid spread of the
pandemic, economies across the world
initiated population lockdowns to curb
the spread of the pandemic. This
resulted in the collapse of various
industries and consumerism all at once,
which put major pressure on banks and
employment.

This caused a stock market crash and,

thereafter, the recession. With new
social distancing measures taken in
response to the pandemic, lockdowns
occurred across much of the world
economy.
Ways COVID-19 Caused Global
Recession
1. Supply Chain Disruptions: As the
pandemic spread, lockdowns, travel
restrictions, and quarantines were
implemented in many countries to
control the virus's spread. These
measures disrupted global supply
chains, causing delays in production
and distribution of goods. Many
businesses faced shortages of
essential components and raw
materials, leading to reduced
manufacturing output.
2. Reduced Consumer Spending:

Lockdowns and social distancing

measures forced the closure of
businesses, restaurants,
entertainment venues, and retail
stores. Consumers were also cautious
about spending due to health
concerns and economic
uncertainty. This decline in consumer
spending resulted in lower demand
for goods and services, leading to
decreased economic activity.
Impact on Services Sector: The services
sector, which includes industries such as
tourism, hospitality, entertainment, and
travel, was hit particularly hard by the
pandemic. Travel restrictions, canceled
events, and reduced consumer
confidence led to massive revenue
losses in these industries. Many
businesses had to lay off employees or
shut down operations, leading to higher
unemployment rates.
3. Disrupted Financial Markets: The
uncertainty caused by the
pandemic led to significant volatility
in financial markets. Stock markets
experienced sharp declines, and
investors sought safer assets like
government bonds. This uncertainty
affected business and consumer
confidence, contributing to reduced
investment and spending.
 4. Unemployment and Income Loss:
Business closures and reduced
demand for goods and services
resulted in widespread job losses.
Many individuals were furloughed or
lost their jobs, leading to decreased
household income. This reduction in
income further impacted consumer
spending and overall economic
activity.
These factors created a domino effect,
leading to decreased economic
output, rising unemployment, reduced
consumer spending, and disruptions in
various sectors.

The combination of supply-side and

demand-side shocks resulted in a global
recession, which was characterized by
negative economic growth in many
countries around the world.