A pandemic is an outbreak of a disease that occurs on a global scale, affecting a large number of people across multiple countries or continents. It typically spreads quickly and is characterized by sustained human-to-human transmission. Pandemics can be caused by infectious agents such as viruses or bacteria, and they often result in widespread health, social, and economic impacts. Unlike an epidemic, which is confined to a specific geographic area, a pandemic signifies that the disease has reached a level of prevalence that crosses international borders and affects a broader population. Examples of pandemics include the 1918 influenza pandemic, the H1N1 influenza pandemic of 2009, and the COVID-19 pandemic that began in late 2019. Pandemics highlight the importance of global health responses, epidemiological tracking, and public health measures to control their spread and minimize their consequences.
Hokkaido has seen a consistent decline in COVID-19 cases over four weeks, with average cases per medical facility dropping to 4.52. This decline is attributed to coordinated efforts between healthcare…