Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic: What Lessons Have We Learned?

Abstract

Two years ago, the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic after an outbreak of a novel coronavirus. Since then, unprecedented challenges have shaped a “new normal.” As of early March 2022, more than 6 million lives have been lost globally to COVID-19. But we have learned much over the past 2 years. Some lessons have been heartening, inspiring innovation, and adaptability; others have been devastating and will have reverberating consequences for years to come. The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us lessons that span medical, economic, social, and environmental arenas. And we still have much to learn.