The world on Thursday marked one year since the coronavirus threat was declared a pandemic, with vaccinations offering hope but much of humanity still enduring highly restricted lives and no clear path back to normality.

The enormity of the challenge entering the second year of the pandemic was highlighted Wednesday in Brazil, where a surge fuelled by more contagious new variants saw a record 2,286 deaths reported for the day.

Despite the rollout of vaccines in many parts of the world, the fight against Covid-19 is far from over
Despite the rollout of vaccines in many parts of the world, the fight against Covid-19 is far from over AFP / Frederic J. BROWN

On the economic front, the US Congress passed one of its biggest stimulus efforts ever -- a $1.9-trillion package that President Joe Biden said would give struggling American families a "fighting chance".

Since first emerging in China at the end of 2019, the coronavirus has killed more than 2.6 million people and forced unprecedented curbs on movement that eviscerated economies.

Timeline of deadly plagues, epidemics and pandemics throughout history.
Timeline of deadly plagues, epidemics and pandemics throughout history. AFP / John SAEKI

"It took a long time for the politicians to act... We are paying for it, the poor people," said Adilson Menezes, 40, outside a hospital in Brazil's biggest city Sao Paulo, where all non-essential businesses are closed to help fight the virus.

The World Health Organization officially declared Covid-19 a pandemic on March 11 last year as infection numbers were beginning to explode across Asia and Europe.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced people around the world to endure varying types of lockdowns as governments try to control the spread of the disease
The coronavirus pandemic has forced people around the world to endure varying types of lockdowns as governments try to control the spread of the disease AFP / Robert ATANASOVSKI

About 4,600 deaths had been officially recorded around the world at the time.

On the same day, actor Tom Hanks announced while on a filming mission in Australia that he had contracted the virus, deepening fears that no one was safe.

But with the United States only just starting to feel the direct impacts of the pandemic, then president Donald Trump played down the threat.

US President Joe Biden has vowed to have enough vaccine doses for the entire American population within months
US President Joe Biden has vowed to have enough vaccine doses for the entire American population within months AFP / MANDEL NGAN

"The virus will not have a chance against us," Trump told the nation.

Under his chaotic leadership, the United States would become the hardest-hit nation: the American death toll today stands at more than 528,000.

IMAGESScene in Downtown Houston as mask mandate expires and businesses are allowed to fully reopen following Texas governor's decision despite the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that "people wear masks in public settings, at
IMAGESScene in Downtown Houston as mask mandate expires and businesses are allowed to fully reopen following Texas governor's decision despite the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation that "people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. AFPTV / Francois PICARD
Cats sit by closed shops in the old city of Jerusalem during Israel's third COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown in December 2020
Cats sit by closed shops in the old city of Jerusalem during Israel's third COVID-19 coronavirus lockdown in December 2020 AFP / MENAHEM KAHANA

The only defenses to the contagious virus one year ago appeared to be face masks and stopping people from interacting.

Global aviation came to a standstill and governments imposed deeply unpopular restrictions, forcing billions of fearful people into some form of lockdown.

People wait after being inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine in Beijing, China
People wait after being inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine in Beijing, China AFP / Noel CELIS

"We are on a war footing," Corinne Krencker, the head of a hospital network in eastern France told AFP on March 11 last year, as patient and death numbers began to surge.

In Madrid, 70-year-old Jose Luis Lucas was taking his granddaughters out of the bustling city to a holiday home he hoped would be safer.

"These are my grandchildren, I have to look after them, don't I," he told AFP on the day the pandemic was declared.

As Texas lifts its mask mandate, residents of Houston, the state's largest city, are divided over the decision. "I think it's good for everyone to be able to make their own choice," says one resident, but for another, it's a "political ploy".
As Texas lifts its mask mandate, residents of Houston, the state's largest city, are divided over the decision. "I think it's good for everyone to be able to make their own choice," says one resident, but for another, it's a "political ploy". AFPTV / Francois PICARD

"We will just have to avoid too many hugs and kisses."

At the same time, governments and scientists were beginning the race to create vaccines -- research and development that would take place at an unprecedented, breakneck pace.

Today, several shots are being rolled out, including those developed in China, Russia and India.

More than 300 million vaccine doses have been administered in 140 countries, according to an AFP count.

The global vaccine rollout has also exposed power and wealth divides.

Rich nations have surged ahead with their mass vaccination programs, while billions in poorer nations are still waiting to receive shots.

Hope for a worldwide push has been boosted by the launch of deliveries under the WHO-backed Covax scheme, which aims to ensure equitable access to Covid-19 vaccines.

The success of the AstraZeneca/Oxford and Johnson & Johnson shots is further cause for optimism as they are easier to transport and store than the ones from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, which require ultra-cold refrigerators.

The European Union's medical regulator was set to hold a meeting Thursday to discuss authorization for the J&J vaccine, which has already been approved by Canada and the United States.

The US vaccination effort has gained momentum in recent weeks, with Biden vowing to have enough doses in place within months for the entire American population.

His administration has driven through the massive economic stimulus package, which Biden is expected to sign into law on Friday.

"There is real reason for hope folks, I promise you," Biden said in a preview of his remarks, which will include his administration's next steps against Covid-19.

"There is light at the end of the tunnel."

Coronavirus