On 30 January 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) a public health emergency of international concern .
By 11 March 2020 , it was designated a pandemic
On 30 January 2020 , the WHO declared the coronavirus disease 2019 ( COVID-19 ) a public health emergency of international concern .
By 11 March 2020 , it was designated a pandemic owing to its rapid worldwide spread .