A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale, affecting a large number of people across multiple countries or continents. It is characterized by the widespread transmission of an infectious pathogen, such as a virus or bacterium, among populations. Unlike an epidemic, which is more localized, a pandemic indicates a higher level of spread and often requires coordinated global response measures to control its impact. The term is commonly associated with diseases that have the potential to cause significant illness and mortality, and it often prompts public health interventions, including vaccinations, quarantines, and travel restrictions to mitigate the spread and protect public health.
Fernando Simón, a key figure in Spain's COVID-19 response, reflects on the political challenges of the pandemic. He initially embraced the hopeful phrase, "We will emerge better," during the crisis.…