In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, photographers from around the globe have revisited their most poignant images taken during the crisis, creating an archive that documents the shared human experience of fear, resilience, and connection. Five years after the coronavirus emerged as a global threat, these powerful photographs serve as a time capsule, encapsulating both the devastation and the solidarity found amidst lockdowns and isolation.

In January 2020, the uncertainty surrounding the first identified case was palpable. A male traveler from Wuhan was suspected to have contracted the virus, prompting a rush to the hospital in Hong Kong where reporters and medical personnel buzzed with tension. Amidst the chaos, Lam Yik Fei, a dedicated photographer, recounts the moment he witnessed the patient being wheeled out in full protective gear, his sweat visible despite the distance. That visceral experience was just one of many that underscored the urgency of the pandemic.

The selected images not only portray the harsh realities faced by individuals and healthcare workers but also tell stories of human stoicism and community spirit. Each photograph acts as a reminder of the lives altered forever by the pandemic, inviting viewers to reflect on their personal experiences during that tumultuous time. This visual narrative of resilience continues to resonate, capturing both the transient and the enduring aspects of the COVID-19 crisis.