The document discusses the history and current state of the COVID-19 pandemic. It notes that the virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019 and has since spread globally, with over 100 million confirmed cases worldwide as of early 2021. The text outlines the symptoms of COVID-19 and explains that while most cases are mild, some can be severe or even fatal, especially in older individuals or those with pre-existing medical conditions. It stresses the importance of preventive measures like masks, social distancing, and vaccines to control the spread of the virus.