What Was COVID-19? A Brief Look Back

It’s hard to believe, but just a few years ago, the world was turned upside down by something we couldn’t even see: a virus.

COVID-19, short for Coronavirus Disease 2019, first appeared in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread across the globe. Caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, it changed how we live, work, connect, and create.

From empty streets and lockdowns to Zoom calls and mask mandates, the pandemic touched every part of daily life. It took lives, strained healthcare systems, and forced us to rethink everything—from how we protect each other to how we build community.

But it also sparked incredible resilience. Vaccines were developed in record time. Mutual aid groups flourished. Artists, DJs, and creatives found new ways to reach people digitally—reminding us of the power of sound, voice, and connection.

As we move forward, COVID-19 remains a defining moment in modern history; a reminder that even in isolation, we found new ways to stay loud.