In February 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began its rapid global spread, marking a pivotal moment in modern history. The first cases of the novel coronavirus had been identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, but February saw the virus ছড়িয়ে rapidly beyond China's borders. On February 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially named the disease COVID-19. By this time, cases had been confirmed in multiple countries, and the WHO had already declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on January 30.
During February 2020, several countries began implementing travel restrictions, particularly concerning travel to and from China. Health organizations, including the CDC, began issuing guidelines and warnings about the potential for community spread. The public's awareness and concern grew, with majorities expressing apprehension about the potential health and economic impacts of the virus. However, few individuals reported taking personal preventative actions at this time. Towards the end of February, the number of new cases reported outside of China surpassed those within China, signaling a new phase of the pandemic. The first COVID-19 death in Europe was reported in France on February 14, and the first death in the United States occurred at the end of the month.
