Overview

• The Covid-19 pandemic, which began in late 2019, has caused over 20 million deaths globally, far exceeding official counts of 7 million, and profoundly altered daily life and societal norms.
• March 17, 2020, marked the start of France's first nationwide lockdown, a historic moment that introduced terms like 'telework,' 'social distancing,' and 'distanciel' into common language.
• Covid long remains a scientific mystery, with symptoms like fatigue, cognitive issues, and respiratory difficulties affecting an estimated 4% of French adults, though precise diagnostic tools are lacking.
• The pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote work, video conferencing, and telemedicine, permanently changing professional and social practices worldwide.
• Despite significant advances in understanding the virus and developing vaccines, research into long-term effects like Covid long has lagged, with calls for increased funding and clinical trials to address ongoing patient needs.