The COVID-19 pandemic was an unprecedented crisis that reshaped public safety and emergency response worldwide. First responders, healthcare workers and emergency planners faced challenges never before encountered on such a global scale. From the initial outbreak and lockdowns, to the development of vaccines and evolving public health policies, the pandemic tested the resilience and the dedication of those on the front lines.
In this roundup, we highlight the major milestones of the pandemic — key moments that defined the response, changed protocols and influenced long-term public safety strategies.
Jan. 20, 2020: First COVID-19 case ID’d in the U.S.
Originally known as the novel coronavirus, or 2019 nCoV, COVID-19 was identified in late 2019 in Wuhan, China, and quickly became a global health crisis as governments and emergency care workers around the world mobilized to protect and treat their citizens. The first U.S. case was identified in someone who had traveled back to Washington state from the Wuhan region.
Feb. 28, 2020: First U.S. fatality due to COVID-19 recorded
In February 2020, a 50-year-old man who had not recently traveled to China and had no underlying health conditions died after contracting COVID-19, becoming the first official U.S. death due to the virus, and prompting officials to warn residents about coming into contact with someone who exhibited symptoms.
March 11, 2020: COVID-19 is declared a global pandemic
In early March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and a global health emergency, urging nations to begin testing their citizens to prevent the spread, save lives and protect healthcare workers. Health officials across the world grappled with the possibility that a steep rise in the number of infected patients would overwhelm medical capacity at hospitals and medical facilities.
March 13, 2020: U.S. declares COVID-19 a national emergency
Days after WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, the U.S. declared COVID-19 a national emergency, which allowed state and local governments more flexibility in prioritizing public health initiatives.
March 16, 2020: First-stage dose of COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials begin
The first stage of the COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials began as scientists and medical researchers worked overtime to find a cure for new virus ravaging the world.
April 10, 2020: The Defense Production Act is invoked to increase access to PPE
Amid the global crisis, personal protection equipment became scarce as emergency medical agencies, hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities stockpiled safety gear for their workers’ use. The lack of gear prompoted the U.S. government to invoke the Defense Production Act to increase production and distribution of must-have items like N95 masks for those working in close proximity to COVID-19 patients.
March-May 2020: FDNY is overwhelmed by 911 call volume
In spring of 2020, the New York Fire Department was hit hard by COVID-19 and quarantine requirements, removing thousands from the workforce, even as call volume skyrocketed to levels not seen since 9/11, according to the FDNY EMS chief at the time. The circumstances prompted the FDNY academy to allow nearly 200 trainees to graduate their cohort early in a first-of-its-kind, all-hands-on-deck approach to the crisis.
Dec. 14, 2020: First U.S. vaccines administered to first responders
In less than a year, a COVID-19 vaccine was available, with early doses reserved for healthcare workers, first responders and other vulnerable populations, like the elderly.
January-August 2021: First responders administer COVID-19 vaccines to public
When public health officials began planning for the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, first responders were an integral part of the strategy. Emergency providers were tapped to scale up vaccine drives, knock on doors and seek out vulnerable populations to administer the immunizations.
May 5, 2023: COVID-19 no longer a ‘global health emergency’
More than 3 years after first delcaring COVID-19 a pandemic “emergency,” WHO removed the declaration and announced the world had moved into long-term recovery efforts from the effects of the virus.
