Until this point, the organisation had resisted using the term despite COVID-19 reaching all continents apart from Antarctica and a growing external scientific consensus that the outbreak was already a pandemic. The reasons for this delay include past criticisms, concern over inducing public panic and a fear of triggering an inappropriate change in approach to the outbreak. However, continued avoidance of the term has created its own problems.
Countries will begin to shift focus from their current containment campaigns to mitigation efforts, and prepare for worst-case scenarios.
Distrust of the WHO and healthcare organisations could hamper future initiatives to limit the outbreak.
Fear and uncertainty associated with the pandemic declaration will be reflected globally on an economic level.
