Subject and purpose of work: The study focuses on the social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic globally and regionally, particularly in Poland. Materials and methods: Based on the literature, the historic origins of various pandemics have been presented as evidence for their cyclicity. Results: An analysis of current COVID-19 reports serves to verify the hypothesis that the economic outcomes are secondary to the social outcomes, which generally distinguishes the current crisis from other known economic and financial crises of the market origin. The recovery from the economic crisis leads to the strengthening of the private sector, but the public sector, especially health care and education, is of particular significance in the pandemic crisis. Conclusions: The need to develop instruments of fighting the crisis has been indicated, with special emphasis on logistics. The pandemic may solidify many years of cultural, social and economic changes, so far rather modestly foreshadowed by various signs.