Coronavirus disease 2019 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. The propagation of the virus has been exponential; currently, COVID-19 cases are present worldwide in 213 countries, areas, or territories. Globally researchers are working and sharing their input on COVID-19 epidemiology, prevention, treatment, and clinical and diagnostic trends. This paper contains a brief historical and comparative overview of selected pandemics, particularly concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy. When new patients are diagnosed, the epidemiological information provided in the paper is subject to change and the status of current cases is updated on a regular basis.