Editorial

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has resulted in more than 2.9 million deaths and more than 134 million cases around the world, with an estimated lethality of 2.16% since it was first reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019; based on the reports from John’s Hopkins University (April 9, 2021). The impact of the pandemic has been different in each country, as a result of the different prevention and relief measures being implemented. To date, the vaccination program represents the best hopeful opportunity to fight the pandemic and also emphasizes the importance of research as a tool to solve adverse circumstances for society.
 This health crisis has demonstrated that the virus can impact patients with comorbidities in a distinct manner resulting in an increased awareness of the importance of healthy habits as well as of programs of preventive health measures. This health crisis has also turned into a social, economic, and education crisis. The projections are not encouraging as it is estimated that it may take several years to recover. To better understand these crises and their effects, it is critical to understand the effect of the pandemic in different areas that may lead to making appropriate decisions that can facilitate a prompt recovery.
 It is in this context that this special edition of NOVA SCIENTIA becomes a discussion forum to understand the impact of the COVID19 pandemic in different aspects of daily life such as health, economy, education, and social or mental health aspects. Of particular importance is to understand the negative impact of comorbidities in the progression of a COVID-19 patient. In this special edition, we include scientific papers that evaluate different perspectives of the pandemic. In addition, we provide important information that may aid decision-making to mitigate the effects of the pandemic. This number is focused on the Mexican population; however, some of the learning points can be extended to other countries.
 The invited editors would like to thank the contributions of the authors, the support of the reviewers, and all the administrative team efforts that have made possible the publication of this special edition of NOVA SCIENTIA.