Pandemic & epidemic

COVID-19 characterised as a pandemic

11 March 2020 – 5 May 2023 · Geneva, World Health Organization

Background

On 11 March 2020, the WHO characterises COVID-19 as a pandemic, with serious worldwide effects on health and society. On 5 May 2023, the international emergency (PHEIC) ends, not the existence of the disease or necessarily the pandemic itself.

Estimates & margins

Deaths13.3m – 16.6m(most cited: 14.9m)
WHO estimate of excess deaths worldwide in 2020–2021, not a count of all direct COVID-19 deaths; the model range is substantial.
14.9 million excess deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021

Historians disagree on exact figures; the range shown reflects the scholarly literature.

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Pandemic & epidemic

COVID-19 characterised as a pandemic

11 March 2020 – 5 May 2023 · Geneva, World Health Organization

Background

Estimates & margins

Deaths13.3m – 16.6m(most cited: 14.9m)
WHO estimate of excess deaths worldwide in 2020–2021, not a count of all direct COVID-19 deaths; the model range is substantial.
14.9 million excess deaths associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021

Historians disagree on exact figures; the range shown reflects the scholarly literature.