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National COVID-19 Day

An awareness observance on March 11 honoring those who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting those still struggling, expressing gratitude to essential workers, and promoting hope and healing.

Thursday

March 2027

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMarch 11

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYPublic Health

ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY

Jamie Aten and Kent Annan

FIRST OBSERVED

2020

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

Jamie Aten and Kent Annan at Wheaton College's Humanitarian Disaster Institute co-founded the observance in November 2020, with the institute receiving a proclamation from National Day Archives on November 24, 2020, officially designating March 11 each year to mark the anniversary of WHO declaring COVID-19 a pandemic.

View Official Announcementvia wheaton.edu

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

On March 11, we come together to recognize and honor National COVID-19 Day. This day may not be as lighthearted as other holidays, but it serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of humanity in the face of adversity. It was on this date in 2020 that the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, forever changing our lives and the world around us. While we continue to navigate through these challenging times, let's also take a moment to celebrate how far we've come and support each other in moving forward towards a healthier and happier future.

TIMELINE

National COVID-19 Day Timeline

COVID-19 Emergence

The first cases of a mysterious respiratory illness, later known as COVID-19, were detected in Wuhan, China.

Pandemic Declaration

On March 11, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic due to its global spread and impact.

Global Lockdowns

Countries around the world implemented lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus, resulting in unprecedented global disruption.

Vaccine Development

Multiple pharmaceutical companies accelerated development and testing of vaccines, leading to emergency approval and distribution of vaccines like Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna by the end of the year.

Mass Immunization Effort

2021 saw the rollout of a global vaccination campaign, with millions of doses administered around the world.

Living with COVID-19

Efforts continue to control the spread of the virus and adapt to a world profoundly transformed by COVID-19.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National COVID-19 Day

Host a virtual COVID-19 support group

Gather your friends and family for a virtual support group to share stories, tips, and words of encouragement during these challenging times.

ORGANIZE

Organize a neighborhood cleanup day

Get your community together to clean up your neighborhood and make it a safer and healthier place for everyone. This is also a great way to practice social distancing while still coming together for a common cause.

CREATE

Create a COVID-19 care package

Put together a care package with essential items and thoughtful notes to give to those who are currently battling or have recovered from COVID-19. This is a great way to show your support and spread kindness during these difficult times.

DONATE

Donate to COVID-19 relief efforts

Research and donate to organizations that are providing aid and support to those affected by COVID-19. Every little bit helps and can make a big difference in someone's life.

HOST

Host a virtual concert or fundraiser

Use your talents to host a virtual concert or fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for COVID-19 relief efforts. This is a fun and creative way to make a positive impact during this challenging time.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National COVID-19 Day is Important

It reminds us of the importance of public health

The worldwide spread of COVID-19 has highlighted the critical role that public health plays in keeping our communities safe. National COVID-19 Day is a time to appreciate and support the work of public health officials and organizations in containing and managing the pandemic.

It's a reminder to continue taking precautions against COVID-19

Even though we may have been dealing with the pandemic for a while now, it's important to continue following safety measures such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. National COVID-19 Day serves as a reminder to not let our guard down and stay vigilant in fighting the virus.

It honors the sacrifices and struggles of those affected by COVID-19

National COVID-19 Day is an opportunity to recognize and honor all those who have been impacted by the pandemic - from frontline workers and their families, to those who have lost loved ones or faced financial difficulties. It's a day to come together and show support for one another.

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