Think Global Health is a multi-contributor website that examines the ways in which changes in health are reshaping economies, societies, and the everyday lives of people around the globe. Launched on January 21, 2020, our editorial team has been closely monitoring the emergence of coronavirus, the COVID-19 pandemic, and its economic and social consequences. This timeline is a running account, gathered in real time, of key events as they unfolded. We will be updating this timeline frequently as new developments are reported. You can access all of Think Global Health’s coronavirus coverage here.

Status as of September 16, 2020

Total Cases Confirmed Globally : 29,656,504

Total Deaths Worldwide: 936,905

Number of countries with cases: 188

Ongoing Timeline of Events Follows

Week of September 3- September 10 : India reports over 83,000 new daily cases

September 3

Thailand reports its first COVID-19 case after 100 days.

Russia resumes flights to the UAE, Egypt, and Maldives.

India reports over 83,000 new COVID-19 cases.

Week of August 26- September 2 : COVID-19 Cases in Europe Reach March Levels; India Becomes Third Worst-Affected Country; Latin America Passes 7 Million Cases

September 2

COVID-19 cases in Europe are almost back to March levels.

Greece reports its first COVID-19 case at Moria refugee camp.

China resumes international flights to and from Beijing.

Dr. Moncef Slaoui, the chief adviser for the White House vaccine program, said that a COVID-19 vaccine before November would be “extremely unlikely but not impossible.”

September 1

Colombia passes 20,000 COVID-19 deaths .

The U.S. CDC issues a temporary halt on evictions until the end of 2020.

The National Institutes of Health advised doctors to not use convalescent plasma as a COVID-19 treatment until more research is conducted.

Utah State University issues mandatory quarantine after detecting COVID-19 in water supply.

The White House announces it will resume tours at 18 percent capacity following six-month hiatus.

August 31

India reports 78,000 new COVID-19 cases, surpassing the U.S. record for the second day in a row.

India becomes the country with the third-highest number of COVID-19 cases behind the United States and Brazil.

Jordan reports its highest daily number of locally transmitted COVID-19 cases.

August 28

France reports 6,111 new COVID-19 cases, its highest daily number of new infections since March.

Turkey reports 1,517 new COVID-19 deaths, its highest death-toll since May.

The FDA expands emergency authorization of remdesivir for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Ireland announces a $19 million support package for pubs.

Hungary announces it will close its borders to foreigners again starting September 1.

New York announces its lowest rate of COVID-19 infection since the pandemic began, marking three consecutive weeks of an infection rate below one percent.

August 27

The White House announces the purchase of 150 million rapid COVID-19 tests.

Latin America surpasses 7 million COVID-19 cases.

Week of August 18- August 25 : First Case of Reinfection Reported; New Cases are Decreasing in Half of U.S. States; South Korea Stops In-Person Instruction in Over 2,000 Schools

August 24

First case of COVID-19 reinfection reported in Hong Kong.

White House officials announce the possibility of fast-tracking a COVID-19 vaccine before phase III trials are completed.

New COVID-19 cases are decreasing in half of U.S. States.

South Korea stops in-person classes at over 2,000 schools in response to rising COVID-19 cases.

August 23

The FDA issues an emergency authorization for convalescent plasma treatment against COVID-19.

New York state announces record-low number of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

COVID-19 cases in France triple within the past month.

South Korea reports its highest-number of new COVID-19 cases since March.

August 22

Italy reports 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for the first time since May.

Germany reports largest increase in daily cases since late April.

August 19

Spain reports its highest level of COVID-19 deaths since May.

Egypt requires negative Covid-19 PCR test from all travelers starting September 1.

The U.S. College Board cancels the SAT test for nearly half of the students scheduled to take it in August.

The Trump Administration's Operation Warp Speed announces a COVID-19 vaccine will likely be made available next spring.

Brazil passes 110,000 COVID-19 deaths and 2.4 million cases.

Colombia approaches 16,000 cOVID-19 deaths and passes 500,000 cases.

Week of August 10- August 17 : Russia Approves Vaccine; Moderna Agrees to Supply the United States Vaccine; WHO Reports Record Number of New Cases

August 17

New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo announces COVID-19 infection rate below one percent for the tenth consecutive day.

August 15

The World Health Organization reports 294,237 new COVID-19, a record number of new cases reported within 24 hours.

Russia begins production of Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine.

August 14

New Zealand extends its lockdown in Auckland by 12 days amidst COVID-19 concerns.

August 13

India reports just under 67,000 new COVID-19 cases, its highest daily increase since the pandemic took effect.

The World Health Organization reports that the COVID-19 pandemic is costing the the global economy over $375 billion per month, citing International Monetary Fund research.

U.S. presidential candidate Joe Biden calls for a three-months national mask mandate.

New unemployment claims in the United States fall below one million for the first time since March.

Venezuelan politician, Dario Vivas, the governor of Venezuela's Caracas capital district becomes the first government official to die from COVID-19 in the country.

August 12

Greece reports 262 new COVID-19 cases, its largest jump in daily cases since the pandemic began.

France reports 1,397 new COVID-19 cases, its highest number of new cases since it began easing lockdown restrictions.

New Jersey announces schools can reopen in the fall.

Jordan closes its border with Syria over COVID-19 concerns.

August 11

Russia becomes the first country to approve a COVID-19 vaccine, called 'Sputnik V.' Scientists worldwide condemn the vaccine over safety concerns.

Brazil begins talks with Russia to manufacture COVID-19 vaccine.

August 10

Moderna and the Trump administration negotiate a deal to supply the United States with 100 million doses of its experimental COVID-19 vaccine.

Week of August 2- August 9 : COVID-19 Cases in the Philippines pass 100,000

August 7

New York Governor, Andrew Cuomo announces New York City schools can reopen in the fall if COVID-19 cases remain low.

August 2

COVID-19 cases in the Philippines pass 100,000.

Week of July 25- August 1 : North Korea Reports Its First Case; South Korea Records Its Largest Daily Increase Since March; Mexico Reports the Third-Highest Death Toll in the World

August 1

Mexico's COVID-19 death toll becomes the third-highest in the world.

Kuwait bans commercial flights from 31 high-risk countries citing coronavirus concerns.

Mississippi has the highest COVID-19 positivity rate in the United States.

India reports 57,000 new COVId-19 cases, its highest daily jump.

July 30

Spain records 1,153 daily COVID-19 cases, its highest-figure since April.

July 29

Russia reports its on-track to approve the first COVID-19 vaccine in mid-August.

July 28

China reports 105 new COVID-19 cases, its highest number of new cases since April.

July 27

Phase III clinical trials for a COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Moderna, begin in the United States.

A domestic cat becomes the first animal in the United Kingdom to test positive for the virus.

July 26

Hong Kong records over 100 new COVID-19 cases for the fifth consecutive day, indicative of a third-wave.

July 25

North Korea reports its first case of COVID-19.

North Korea also implements a lockdown in Kaesong, a city near its border with South Korea, over a suspected COVID-19 case.

South Korea records its largest daily increase of COVID-19 cases since March.

Vietnam reports its first locally transmitted case in 100 days.

The United Kingdom removes Spain from its safe travel list.

COVID-19 hospitalizations are up 79 percent in three weeks in Florida.

Week of July 17-July 24 : China and Russia are accused of stealing COVID-19 Vaccine Research; India Passes One Million Cases; Record Number of Cases is Reported to the WHO

July 22

Global coronavirus cases surpass 15 million; the United States remains the nation with the highest number of cases worldwide.

The United States charges two Chinese hackers accused of targeting institutions working on vaccine research in the U.S., Germany, UK, and Japan, among other nations.

Coronavirus cases in Africa exceed 750,000.

Washington, D.C. issues a new mask mandate as cases rise.

July 21

China requires proof of negative COVID-19 test for all incoming passengers.

The United States accuses China of hacking COVID-19 vaccine research trials.

July 20

The European Union negotiates a $859 billion COVID-19 stimulus package.

July 19

India reports 38,902 new cases its highest single-day spike.

July 18

A new record number of cases, 259,848 is reported to the World Health Organization.

The FDA issues its first emergency use authorization for COVID-19 pool testing.

July 17

Russia is accused of stealing COVID-19 vaccine research from the United Kingdom.

A record number of cases, 237,743, is reported to the World Health Organization.

India becomes the third country to pass one million COVID-19 cases.

Week of July 9-July 16 : WHO Announces Independent Coronavirus Review; White House Orders Hospitals to Bypass CDC; Moderna Shows Positive Immune Response

July 16

Georgia's governor issues an executive order rescinding mask mandates made by local governments across the state.

Italy announces bans on entry for people coming from Serbia, Kosovo, and Montenegro.

U.S., British, and Canadian officials say that Russian hackers targeted academic institutions and laboratories working on coronavirus vaccine research.

India approaches one million coronavirus cases as numbers rise in rural areas of the country.

Tokyo records its highest single-day increase in cases in the capital city.

July 15

Single-day tallies for cases, hospitalizations, and deaths reach highs across several states including Florida, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

South Africa is expected to surpass 300,000 coronavirus cases.

Belgium delays additional reopening measures as cases increase in the country.

Walmart, the world's largest retailer, requires all shoppers to wear face-masks in all 5,000 of its U.S. stores.

July 14

Global coronavirus cases increased by one million over the past five days.

Australia, Hong Kong, and India are among those imposing new restrictions amid increases in cases.

Latin America and the Caribbean have recorded more coronavirus deaths than the United States and Canada.

Russia reports 6,248 new cases.

Disneyland Hong Kong closes less than a month after reopening citing concerns for another surge of the virus.

Moderna, the first potential coronavirus vaccine tested in humans, is demonstrated to show a positive immune response.

The White House orders hospitals to bypass the CDC and send COVID-19 case data directly to Washington.

July 13

New York City reports no new coronavirus deaths in a 24-hour period.

California's two largest public school districts, Los Angeles and San Diego, announce they will be online-only for the fall semester.

WHO reports that the U.S. and Brazil made up half of the daily increase in coronavirus cases globally.

The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds that one in three South Korean coronavirus patients showed improvements while on remdesivir.

Kazakhstan extends its second lockdown through July and announces additional aid for citizens without income.

July 12

Argentina surpasses 100,000 coronavirus cases despite an ongoing lockdown in Buenos Aires.

Florida marks 15,300 new cases, the highest single-day increase of any U.S. state since the pandemic began.

South Africa reimposes a curfew and ban on alcohol sales to relieve burdens on hospitals amid rising coronavirus cases.

President Donald Trump makes his first public appearance wearing a face-mask.

July 11

Two Australian states report increases in cases linked to community transmission since the states reopened.

Louisiana mandates masks statewide amid rising cases and hospitalizations.

July 10

The United States reports 63,247 new coronavirus cases, its highest single-day increase to date.

Revised data from Russia show a mortality rate in April and May nearly three times higher than previously reported.

July 9

Single-day records are reported across four states in the United States.

Health workers in Ghana urge the government to provide PPE and other supplies to hospital systems to protect workers.

Indonesia reports its highest single-day increase in coronavirus cases linked to an outbreak at a military training facility.

WHO announces an Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response (IPPR) to evaluate the world’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Data from WHO and African governments show a 24 percent in increase in new coronavirus cases in Africa from the previous week.

Week of July 1 - July 8: Cases in Brazil and the United States Continue to Spike; Countries Impose New Travel Restrictions; Africa surpasses half a million cases

July 8

Iran reports highest one-day death toll since the start of the pandemic, exceeding 12,000 total deaths.

Intensive care units in hospitals across Florida and Arizona reach full capacity due to surges in coronavirus cases.

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Africa surpass 500,000, but gaps in data and testing raise concerns about underreporting.

Uzbekistan announces a second lockdown for July 10, in response to cases surging in the nation.

July 7

Brazilian President Bolsonaro tests positive for coronavirus.

President Donald Trump formally notifies Congress and the United Nations of U.S. withdrawal from WHO.

WHO acknowledges evidence suggesting airborne coronavirus transmission and cautions need for further assessment.

Coronavirus cases in the Americas reach 5.9 million, with half in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Kenya announces schools will remain closed until 2021.

Africa Development Bank warns that an additional forty-nine million Africans could be pushed into extreme poverty by the pandemic and its aftermath, with West and Central Africa hit hardest.

July 6

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro tells supporters that his lungs are "clean" after undergoing a lung scan amid reports that he showed coronavirus symptoms.

A Spanish government study involving over 61,000 participants finds that coronavirus antibodies decrease with time, falling below necessary levels for herd immunity.

California orders six additional counties to close indoor operations for restaurants, bars, and other businesses as coronavirus cases increase in the state.

India overtakes Russia as the country with the third-most coronavirus cases.

July 5

Scientists from over thirty countries call on WHO to direct attention to evidence suggesting airborne spread of coronavirus.

Florida and Texas report new single-day records for coronavirus cases.

July 4

Melbourne, Australia tightens restrictions on twelve suburbs and imposes "hard lockdowns" on several apartment blocks as cases surge. The Australian Medical Association calls for a pause in easing COVID-19 restrictions until the situation in Melbourne stabilizes.

New coronavirus cases in Tokyo increase by 131, governor urges residents to limit travel outside of the city.

Over 200,000 people in Spain's Lleida province are ordered to lock down due to outbreaks in the region.

July 3

The United States reports over 55,000 new coronavirus cases, marking a new daily global record.

The United Kingdom announces an end to travel restrictions from fifty countries, not including the United States.

French authorities open investigations against former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 2

Florida reports over 10,000 new coronavirus cases, marking a new single-day record for the state.

India announces reopening measures despite surpassing 600,000 coronavirus cases and 17,834 deaths.

Switzerland announces self-isolation requirements for travelers from twenty-nine countries including the United States, Brazil, and Russia.

Tokyo confirms over one hundred new coronavirus cases, its highest single-day count since May.

July 1

Burundi's newly elected president shifts from predecessor's stance on the coronavirus, promising steps to combat its spread.

Brazil sees 12,000 new coronavirus cases in a single day; Rio de Janeiro begins opening.

Texas governor, Greg Abbott, mandates face masks in public.

Week of June 23 - June 30: Saudi Arabia Places Restrictions on the Hajj; Vaccine Trials in Africa Begin; India Reports Record Spike

June 30

The United States acquires over 500,000 doses of remdesivir from Gilead, all of its production for the month of July and 90 percent of August and September.

June 29

Global coronavirus death toll surpasses 500,000.

Kazakhstan reimposes lockdown measures after surge in cases linked to reopening measures.

June 28

According to the Pan American Health Organization, cases in Latin America have tripled in June, surpassing two million infections.

The Czech Republic reports its highest single-day increase in new cases since April 8.

June 27

Twelve U.S. states slow reopening measures as new cases increase across the country.

June 26

The United States sees its highest daily increase in confirmed coronavirus cases.

Over half of U.S. states report record numbers of new daily cases.

June 25

U.S. CDC estimates that more than 20 million individuals may have had coronavirus in the United States thus far.

June 24

Twenty-six U.S. states see a rise in coronavirus cases since easing up on lockdown restrictions.

New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut require visitors from 'hot-spot' states to self-quarantine for fourteen days.

The United States reports its highest daily total of new coronavirus cases.

India reports over 15,000 new coronavirus infections, its highest single-day rise in cases.

Trials for a COVID-19 vaccine begin in South Africa.

June 23

FDA warns against the use of hand sanitizers containing methanol, a toxic substance.

Saudi Arabia restricts Hajj pilgrims, the first time Muslim people will be barred this rite in modern times.

Germany reimposes a regional lockdown after cases linked to a meatpacking factory pass 1,500.

The first COVID-19 vaccine trial in South Africa begins. This is the first vaccine trial on the continent.

Coronavirus-related deaths in Latin America pass 100,000.

Week of June 15 - June 22: Beijing Reports a New Cluster of Cases; FDA Revokes Use of Hydroxychloroquine; Healthcare Workers Resign

June 22

Citing pandemic concerns, President Trump issues restrictions on immigration to the United States, suspending most H1-B, H2-B, and H-4 visas.

More than 20 public health officials in the United States have resigned or left their posts in recent weeks.

In response to exponential rises in coronavirus cases, Liberia extends its state of emergency.

South Korea reports a second wave of coronavirus infections around capital city, related to a May holiday.

Beijing outbreak disrupts supply chain across meat, poultry, and other food industries.

June 21

Italy's Civil Protection Department sees its lowest increase in daily cases since the start of the pandemic.

Spain lifts state of emergency, allowing tourists from most E.U. countries.

Potential strain on worldwide glass supply chain poses delays to coronavirus vaccine development.

June 20

WHO officials announce that the cluster of cases in Beijing was traced to a European coronavirus strain, not a market-based cross-species infection.

Florida and South Carolina report sharp spikes in new cases, breaking single-day records for third day in a row.

June 19

The Czech Republic reports its largest increase in daily cases since April.

June 18

India eases lockdown measures despite rises in confirmed cases and deaths.

June 17

Peru surpasses 240,000 coronavirus cases, passing Italy's total number of cases.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announces final daily COVID-19 briefing for Friday.

June 16

Nursing and care facilities are reported to account for at least 40 percent of all coronavirus deaths in the United States.

The UN's Latin America and Caribbean agency warns of rising hunger in the region due to COVID-19's effect on food systems and the region's economies.

June 15

China reports an additional 36 confirmed coronavirus cases in Beijing for a total of 79 since its first confirmed case in 56 days was reported on June 11.

Beijing imposes lockdown measures in 21 neighborhoods as rampant testing procedures undergo in Beijing.

Cases in new Beijing cluster have reportedly spread to Liaoning and Hebei provinces in China.

The United States surpasses 115,000 coronavirus deaths as new cases increase across more than 12 states.

The FDA revokes emergency use authorization for hydroxychloroquine.

The Imperial College of London begins a coronavirus vaccine trial.

France lifts travel resections for European Union and Schengen citizens. Restrictions stay in place for Spain and the United Kingdom.

Week of June 7 - June 14: The United States Sees a Rise in Cases; New Zealand and India Lift Lockdown Restrictions; China Publishes White Paper

June 14

The United Kingdom reports 36 deaths, its lowest daily death toll since March.

June 12

India overtakes the United Kingdom to become the fourth worst-hit nation.

June 11

As the United States exceeds 2 million confirmed coronavirus cases, new model suggests spikes in death toll in September and later months.

U.S. farms and packing plants report an increase in cases among workers.

Confirmed coronavirus cases in Russia pass 500,000.

Biotech company Moderna to begin final stage of trial for coronavirus vaccine in July on 30,000 participants.

June 10

France reports decline in daily death toll, but a rise in confirmed cases.

Health authorities in Libya report spikes in coronavirus cases, linked to repatriation efforts.

Germany announces extended travel warnings for non-European nations through August, travel ban for EU members to be lifted June 15.

The United States sees rises in confirmed cases across 19 states, 24 states trend downward, and 7 remain the same.

June 9

WHO says earlier statement calling asymptomatic transmission of coronavirus ‘very rare’ and a misunderstanding.

Since Memorial Day in the United States, nine states report increase in hospitalizations due to coronavirus.

Brazil resumes reporting data on country's cases after supreme court order.

June 8

New Zealand lifts all lockdown restrictions, declaring the country virus-free.

India lifts lockdown restrictions, despite fears of a surge.

Experts warn that up to 540 Americans can die each day as a result of the ongoing protests.

New York City begins phase I reopening.

WHO says pandemic 'far from over' as daily cases hit record high

Lockdown measures are estimated to have prevented 500 million COVID-19 related deaths worldwide.

Tanzanian President Magufuli declares Tanzania free of coronavirus, amid concerns of underreporting from WHO.

South Africa sees rapid increase in coronavirus numbers, recording over 50,000 confirmed cases in past two weeks.

June 7

China publishes a white paper, defending that it did not try to conceal the virus.

Brazil's health ministry removes coronavirus data from official website.

Week of May 30- June 6: Countries Begin to Reopen; Spain Extends Its State of Emergency; Trump Asks Congress For Economic Stimulus

June 5

Donald Trump announces he will ask Congress for extra economic stimulus.

Jordan reopens mosques for service.

June 3

Spain extends State of Emergency until June 21.

June 2

Italy reopens its borders to tourists.

France reopens its beaches, cultural, and sporting centers.

June 1

The Philippines eases lockdown measures.

Week of May 23- May 30 : U.S. Deaths pass 100,000; House Democrats Vote Remotely; France Pulls Hydroxychloroquine as COVID-19 Treatment

May 28

WHO Director announces COVID-19 pandemic is responsible for 159,000 excess deaths in 24 European countries since early March.

Latin America now accounts for 40 percent of COVID-19 deaths globally.

May 27

The United Nations reports that the coronavirus puts 14 million people at risk of missing meals in Latin America and the Caribbean

Coronavirus deaths in the United States pass 100,000.

House democrats vote remotely for the first time.

France revokes approval of hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for the virus.

Week of May 15- May 22 : China Flattens the Curve; President Trump Announces He is Taking Hydroxycholorquine

May 22

China reports no new domestic cases.

May 19

China reports 6 new coronavirus cases, including one in Wuhan.

May 18

President Donald Trump announces he is taking hydroxychloroquine.

Week of May 7-May 14 : Three Children in New York City Die of a Mysterious Toxic-Shock Inflammation Syndrome; Hydroxychlorquine is Proven Ineffective; Global Cases Top 4 Million

May 11

Hydroxychloroquine is proven ineffective as a treatment against COVID-19.

Two White House staff members test positive for the virus.

France begins easing lockdown restrictions.

May 10

The global total of cases reaches 4 million.

May 9

Three children in New York die of a mysterious toxic-shock inflammation syndrome linked to the coronavirus. Another 73 are infected.

May 7

Carlos Ernesto Escobar becomes the first person to die from the coronavirus while in U.S. immigration custody.

Week of April 29-May 6: Two Percent of Moscow's Population Tests Positive For Coronavirus; Trump Administration Phases Out Task Force; Global Cases Top 3.5 Million

May 5

Trump administration considers phasing out coronavirus task force.

Thailand reports one new coronavirus case and no new deaths, marking a downward trend of transmission.

Number of cases globally surpasses 3.5 million.

May 3

In the United States, Virginia reports its first coronavirus death. Total deaths in the United States are 65,464.

May 2

Moscow’s Mayor announced that 2 percent of the city’s population tested positive for the coronavirus.

Week of April 21–April 28: President Trump suspends immigration; China pledges $30 million to the WHO; Italy and Spain ease lockdown restrictions

April 28

The United States records over one million coronavirus cases.

A new study reports that cancer patients are nearly three times more likely to die of covid-19 than non-cancer patients.

April 27

Famotidine, a common over-the-counter heartburn medication, begins testing trials in New York City as a possible coronavirus treatment.

April 26

Italy and Spain unveil plans to ease up on lockdown restrictions beginning on May 4.

April 25

The World Health Organization reports that there is still no evidence that recovered patients are immune from the coronavirus.

Over a quarter of the world’s coronavirus deaths are in the United States.

April 24

The number of coronavirus cases in Ecuador more than double after delayed testing results were released.

The United States’ coronavirus death toll passes 50,000.

The Federal Drug Administration warns against the use of hydroxychloroquine, an anti-malarial drug touted by President Donald J. Trump as a coronavirus treatment.

Pakistan extends its lockdown until May 9.

April 23

China pledges an additional $30 million in funding to the WHO.

The White House announces it has enough test kits for a phase one reopening.

South Africa announces it will begin phase one on reopening on May 1.

Indonesia announces it will ban domestic air and sea travel until early June. This coincides with the holy month of Ramadan.

President Donald J. Trump erroneously recommends ingesting disinfectants to fight coronavirus. Lysol and other companies warn against this practice.

April 22

Hydroxychloroquine is deemed ineffective as a treatment against the coronavirus.

Germany approves first trials for a coronavirus vaccine.

The Netherlands extends ban on major public gatherings until September 1.

April 21

Congressional leaders and the White House strike a deal to deliver $480 million in relief funds to small businesses and hospitals.

President Donald J. Trump effectively suspends immigration to the United States. Green card recipients will be blocked from moving to the country but temporary workers on nonimmigrant visas will be allowed in.

Week of April 13–April 20: China reports its first economic contraction in a decade; Austria becomes one of the first European countries to Reopen; President Trump Suspends Immigration

April 20

Israel’s coronavirus rate of recovery begins to outpace its death rate.

Israel begins to ease up on lockdown restrictions, including allowing the opening up of small stores, resuming small group prayer, and introducing fines for not wearing a mask in public.

Iran begins to reopen its economy starting with major shopping centers in Tehran.

President Donald J. Trump announces he will temporarily suspend immigration to the United States for 60 days by executive order.

U.S. Hospitals, including the esteemed Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, announce they will reopen for elective surgeries and other non-emergency procedures.

April 19

U.S. Secretary of Defense, Mark T. Esper extends the Department of Defense travel ban until June 30 amid coronavirus concerns. The original ban was set to expire on May 12.

Orthodox churches in Georgia host Easter masses for hundreds of parishioners despite the country declaring a state of emergency.

Chile becomes the first country to issue 'immunity cards' to people who have fully recovered from the coronavirus.

April 18

American conservatives protest the country’s lockdown measures.

April 17

China reports its first economic contraction in a decade. It’s GDP shrank 6.8 percent during the first three months of 2020.

Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, makes an executive decision to begin reopening Texas beginning in May. This decision makes Texas one of the first states to loosen restrictions.

The Nigerian President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, dies after contracting coronavirus.

U.S. Vice President, Mike Pence declares that the country has enough tests for a phase one reopening.

April 16

Japan declares a nation-wide state of emergency. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approves a budget to include a ¥100,000 handout to all citizens regardless of income.

An additional 5.2 million Americans file for unemployment over the past week, bringing the total number to 22 million Americans filing since President Donald J. Trump declared a state of emergency four weeks ago. This job loss is comparable to Great Depression statistics.

President Donald J. Trump unveils a set of guidelines for opening up America giving liberty to state Governors to choose whether they want lift restrictions statewide or on a county-by-county basis.

April 15

Germany announces plans to reopen their economy starting April 20. It also announces plans to resume in-person schooling on May 3.

President Trump delays funding to the WHO.

April 14

The International Monetary Fund warns that the world is facing its worst economic downturn as coronavirus lockdowns continue to wreck havoc on the global economy.

Austria reopens thousands of small shops, becoming one of the first European countries to loosen lockdown measures in response to the coronavirus.

New York City’s coronavirus death toll passes 10,000-- a figure larger than any European country’s.

President Donald Trump delays thousands of stimulus checks in an unprecedented move to mandate that his name appear on the check.

Wyoming confirms its first coronavirus death, bringing the total to all 50 states having reported coronavirus fatalities.

Hydroxychloroquine is deemed ineffective as a treatment against the coronavirus.

Week of April 5–April 12: Wet markets reopen in Wuhan; the United States has the most Coronavirus deaths in the World; Boris Johnson Discharged from Intensive Care

April 12

Wet markets reopen in Wuhan, China.

April 11

The United States surpasses Italy for having the most confirmed coronavirus deaths in the world.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Services deposits its first round of stimulus checks to Americans

Over 550 crew members aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt test positive for coronavirus.

South Korea introduces a tracking bracelet to monitor citizens’ adhesion to quarantine rules.

Yemen reports its first coronavirus case.

April 10

Spain sees a flattening of the curve. A slowdown in the rate of infections and deaths means the government is considering lifting some of the heavy lockdown restrictions

New York City reports more coronavirus cases than any country.

World coronavirus deaths surpass 100,000.

April 9

6.6 million Americans file for unemployment claims in the past week, bringing the total number of unemployment claims filed in the past three weeks to over 17 million.

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is discharged from intensive care.

April 8

Global coronavirus cases surpass 1.5 million.

Singapore bans all public and private social gatherings.

China lifts its lockdown on Wuhan.

April 7

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson moved to intensive care unit.

Egypt announces it will keep mosques closed during Ramadan.

Paris announces it will ban daytime outdoor exercising.

Japan declares a state of emergency.

China reports no new coronavirus deaths for the first time since January.

April 6

United States death toll passes 10,000.

Chile mandates that everyone use a face mask on public and paid private transportation.

The Open Golf Championship is cancelled for the first time since World War Two.

Iran passes 60,000 coronavirus cases, the highest in the Middle East.

A third passenger on the Coral Princess cruise ship has died.

April 5

Haiti reports its first coronavirus death.

China sees an increase in asymptomatic coronavirus cases.

The United States reports 1,300 coronavirus deaths in one day, its highest daily spike.

Spain reports a decrease in the number of new coronavirus cases for its third consecutive day.

The CDC begins testing blood for coronavirus immunity.

Former Libya Prime Minister Mahmoud Jibril dies from coronavirus

A tiger at the Bronx Zoo in New York tests positive for coronavirus.

Week of March 30–April 4: Worldwide coronavirus cases exceed one million; over 10 million Americans file for unemployment; Wimbledon Tennis Tournament canceled for the first time since World War Two

April 04

Turkey requires all residents to wear face mass in public.

Dubai imposes a two-week lockdown.

Without scientific evidence, President Trump endorses malaria drug, hydroxychloroquine, as an effective coronavirus treatment.

April 03

China advises foreign diplomats to stay out of Beijing until May 15.

Libya reports its first coronavirus death.

U.S. President Donald Trump invokes the Defense Productions Act to halt the export of masks and other personal protection equipment.

The United States confirms 32,000 new cases in one day, setting a new record for the largest jump in daily cases.

April 02

Global coronavirus cases pass the one million mark; deaths exceed 50,000.

Almost 91 percent of Americans are ordered to stay at home.

The White House encourages all Americans to wear masks in public.

6.6 million Americans file for unemployment over the course of the last week, bringing the total number of unemployment claims to over 10 million.

Peru and Panama implement gender-based quarantines to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Thailand announces a nationwide curfew.

Saudi Arabia imposes a 24-hour curfew on Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam.

April 01

Spain passes 100,000 coronavirus cases.

Wimbledon Tennis Tournament canceled for the first time since World War Two.

The United Nations postpones its climate conference, originally scheduled to take place in November.

Italy announces it will extend its lockdown until April 13.

Unemployment numbers in Austria reach their highest figure since World War Two.

The World Bank estimates the coronavirus pandemic could push 11 million people into poverty.

March 31

Belarus reports its first coronavirus death.

El Salvador reports its first coronavirus death.

China reports 48 new cases of the virus, all of which are imported.

The United States unveils a model which project that 100,000 Americans could die from the coronavirus.

March 30

President Trump announces more than 1 million Americans have been tested for coronavirus.

Mexico declares a health emergency in response to its growing coronavirus death toll.

Week of March 22–March 29: Nearly one third of the world's population is living under coronavirus-related restrictions; Japan Postpones 2020 Summer Olympics; the WHO warns there is a "significant shortage" of medical supplies

March 29

Bolivia reports its first coronavirus death.

Uruguay reports its first coronavirus death.

Syria reports its first coronavirus death.

Nigeria orders the cessation of movement in Lagos and Abuja.

The United States passes 140,000 coronavirus cases—more than any other country in the world.

The Netherlands passes 10,000 coronavirus cases.

Hubei province reopens domestic flights.

President Trump extends social distancing guidelines until April 30.

March 28

Sri Lanka reports its first coronavirus death.

New Zealand reports its first coronavirus death.

Global deaths surpass 30,000.

March 27

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for coronavirus.

China bans foreign visitors after imported cases rise.

South Africa imposes three-week lockdown.

South Africa reports its first coronavirus death.

Montana reports its first coronavirus death.

March 26

Nearly a third of the world’s population are living under coronavirus-related restrictions.

United States death toll reaches one thousand.

More than 3.2 million Americans filed unemployment claims last week—the highest number to date.

The Senate unanimously passes a $2 trillion stimulus plan.

New York City becomes the epicenter of the US outbreak. Reported coronavirus cases double every three days.

Singapore records 73 new cases of the virus—their largest single-day increase to date.

Iraq and Lebanon extend their curfews until April 11.

Moscow announces it will be closing all non-essential businesses until April 5, effective March 28

Panama suspends all domestic flights.

Venezuela reports its first coronavirus death.

Spain extends state of emergency until April 12.

Thailand declares state of emergency.

Armenia reports first coronavirus death.

March 25

Spain supplants China as the country with the second-greatest number of recorded COVID-19 deaths.

Prince Charles tests positive for coronavirus.

North Carolina reports first coronavirus death.

Nearly one third of the world’s population is affected by coronavirus lockdowns.

The United Nations launches $2 billion humanitarian response plan.

WHO warns that there is a “significant shortage” of medical supplies.

March 24

U.S. National Guard is activated in all 50 States.

Navy reports first cases of Coronavirus aboard a ship at Sea.

Japan postpones 2020 summer Olympics for the first time since World War Two.

Angela Merkel tests negative for coronavirus.

New Zealand enters lockdown .

Australia bans all overseas travel.

United States reaches 50,000 coronavirus cases.

China lifts lockdown on Hubei province.

March 23

Cuba announces lockdown, will restrict movement of its citizens.

United Kingdom announces lockdown.

Zimbabwe records its first coronavirus death.

Zimbabwe closes its borders to non-citizens and non-residents.

Nigeria closes its land borders to non-citizens and non-residents for four weeks.

New Hampshire reports first coronavirus death.

WHO announces the “pandemic is accelerating.”

March 22

Global coronavirus cases double from last week, reaching almost 330,000 cases.

India suspends all international flights arriving and departing from India for at least one week.

Panama suspends all international flights until at least April 31.

Hawaii announces mandatory 14-day quarantine for everyone entering—including residents.

United Arab Emirates suspends all inbound and outbound passenger flights for two weeks

Czech Republic reports first coronavirus death.

Syria reports its first coronavirus case.

Spain extends state of emergency for another 15 days.

Germany introduces a ‘contact ban’—banning groups of more than two people.

Greece enters a lockdown.

Guam reports first coronavirus death.

Colombia reports its first coronavirus death.

Singapore closes its borders to all visitors.

Week of March 14–March 21: China reports no new Coronavirus cases for its Third Consecutive Day; Italy becomes the country with the highest death-toll; President Trump signs the Families First Coronavirus Response Act into Law

March 21

China reports no new local coronavirus cases for the third consecutive day.

Angola, Eritrea, and Uganda confirm their first cases of coronavirus .

Mauritius reports its first coronavirus death.

Bolivia announces a total 14-day quarantine.

Chile reports first coronavirus death.

Vietnam suspends all inbound international flights.

Egypt closes all mosques and churches for 14 days.

Pakistan bans all incoming flights.

Colombia announces mandator 19-day isolation period as a preventative measure.

United Arab Emirates announce first coronavirus-related deaths.

Arizona records first coronavirus death.

March 20

Italy records 627 deaths, the largest single increase since the onset of the outbreak.

The United States CDC reports more than 18,000 coronavirus cases.

Cuba closes its borders to non-citizens and non-residents.

Ohio reports first coronavirus death.

Zimbabwe reports first coronavirus case.

U.S. stocks close their worst week since the 2008 financial crisis.

Canada announces it will turn back asylum seekers at the U.S. border.

WHO delivers more than 1.5 million coronavirus lab test kits around the world .

Washington D.C. reports first coronavirus death .

Hong Kong confirms largest single day increase of 48 coronavirus cases.

Trump invokes Defense Production Act to disperse medical supplies to hospitals.

March 19

March 18

Trump signs the Families First Coronavirus Response Act into law .

The United States and Canada suspend non-essential travel between the two countries.

Belgium imposes a lockdown to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Macao closes its borders to all non-citizens and residents.

Maryland reports first coronavirus death.

March 17

The European Union closes its borders to all non-essential travel.

Russia closes its borders to all non-citizens, residents, and diplomats--effective until May.

Bolivia closes its borders and suspends all non-essential flights.

Turkey confirms its first coronavirus death.

West Virginia confirms its first coronavirus case—making the virus present in all 50 United States.

Gambia reports first case of coronavirus.

Guatemala blocks U.S. deportation flights to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Montenegro reports its first two cases of coronavirus.

Iran releases 85,000 prisoners in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

Malaysia announces first two coronavirus deaths.

March 16

CDC reports over 4,000 coronavirus cases in the United States.

South Carolina reports first coronavirus related death.

China closes all 16 temporary hospitals in Wuhan.

Georgia closes all public schools until March 31.

San Francisco closes all public schools for three weeks.

Malaysia introduces a movement control order.

Colombia closes its borders to non-citizens and residents.

France closes its borders to non-citizens and residents and bans all social gatherings.

Germany closes its borders to non-citizens and residents.

Sudan closes its borders to non-citizens and residents.

Hungary closes its borders to all non-citizens and residents.

Spain closes its borders to all non-citizens and residents.

Switzerland bans all events and closes shops.

Egypt suspends all flights for two weeks.

The Dow records its worst-drop in history.

Airlines request $50 billion in assistance packages.

Lockdown in China estimated to have saved approximately 77,000 lives by slashing air pollution.

Somalia reports first coronavirus case.

March 15

Lebanon announces a 14 day lockdown.

New York City public schools close.

New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio signs an executive order stating that New York City hospitals are required to cancel elective surgeries.

Guatemala reports its first coronavirus death.

Panama closes its borders to non-citizens and residents.

The Bahamas reports its first case of coronavirus.

Oklahoma declares a state of emergency.

Maine declares a state of emergency.

Massachusetts bans eating and drinking at bars until at least April 17.

29 States announce school closures.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan close borders after first coronavirus cases.

March 14

Austin, TX bans gatherings of more than 250 people.

The United States reaches 2,750 Coronavirus cases. All states have reported cases except West Virginia.

President Trump tests negative for coronavirus .

Georgia declares a state of emergency.

Georgia postpones their democratic primary out of safety concerns.

Virginia reports first coronavirus death.

Trump attends White House Coronavirus task force briefing.

New York records its first coronavirus related death. It releases the report of the first two deaths on March 15.

Italy suspends all civilian flights.

Colombia closes its border with Venezuela.

New Zealand mandates all arrivals to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Aruba announces first two coronavirus cases.

Number new coronavirus cases in South Korea continues to decline.

Turkey suspends flights to nine European countries.

Week of March 7–March 13: One Fifth of All Students Worldwide are out of School; New York City Declares State of Emergency; NBA Cancels Season

Status as of March 13, 2020

Total Countries With Confirmed Cases: 121

Total Cases Confirmed Globally : 142,095

Total Deaths Worldwide: 5,373

Deaths Outside of China: 2,197

March 13

More than 5,000 have died from coronavirus worldwide

Donald Trump declares a state of National Emergency under Stafford Act

New Mexico closes all public schools for three weeks

New York opens drive through coronavirus test center

Utah bans large gatherings for two weeks

Maryland announces it will close all schools for two weeks

Denmark, Poland, and the Czech Republic close their borders

Uruguay records first case of coronavirus

Sixteen states including: Alabama, Wisconsin, Maryland, Ohio, Kentucky, Washington, Wisconsin, West Virginia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Louisiana, Rhode Island, Michigan, New Mexico, Oregon, Virginia, Utah have announced school closures

House reaches deal to pass F amilies First Coronavirus Response Act

Guatemala reports first coronavirus case

Ukraine announces it will close its borders to foreigners for two weeks

Denmark closes its borders to all tourists until April 15

Venezuela announces its first cases of coronavirus

Massachusetts bans gatherings of more than 250 people

Scotland r ecords first coronavirus death

Louisiana postpones primary elections amidst growing coronavirus concerns

Sudan reports first coronavirus death

Ukraine reports first coronavirus death

WHO declares Europe the new epicenter of the outbreak

Spain declares state of emergency

March 12

Wuhan, the epicenter of the outbreak r ecords just 5 new cases of coronavirus

Kansas r eports first coronavirus death

Montana declares state of emergency

Portugal closes all schools

U.S. stocks record their worst day since 1987

New York City declares a state of emergency

Greece closes all entertainment venues for at least two weeks

Ohio closes all public schools until at least April 3

France closes all schools

Norway records first coronavirus death

Israel orders closure of schools and universities

Virginia declares state of emergency

India records first coronavirus death

New York bans gatherings of more than 500 people

Tennessee declares a state of emergency

Oregon cancels all gatherings of more than 250 people

The United Nations suspends human rights council session

March 11

WHO declares the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic

Turkey confirms first case of coronavirus

Arizona declares state of emergency

Washington D.C. declares state of emergency

United States announces level 3 travel advisory and suspended entry to all foreign nationals traveling from China, Iran, and certain European countries at any point during the 14 days prior to their scheduled travel to the U.S.

North Dakota records its first positive case of coronavirus

Delaware records its first positive case of coronavirus

NBA suspends their season

El Salvador imposes 21-day quarantine and prohibits entry to all foreigners

Italy closes all shops and venues across the country

Austria announces it will close schools until April

India suspends all tourist visas until April 15

Ireland reports its first coronavirus death

Sweden reports its first coronavirus death

The United Nations reports that about 20% of students are out of school globally as a result of the pandemic

March 10

Michigan, Vermont, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Colorado all declare a state of emergency (23 states total).

Panama reports first coronavirus death

Portugal suspends flights to Italy for 14 days

Chile announces 14-day quarantine for passengers arriving from Spain and Italy

Coachella music festival is postponed until October

South Dakota reports first coronavirus death

President Trump fails to attend coronavirus briefing. Mike Pence leads instead.

New Jersey reports first coronavirus death

Greece closes all schools and universities for two weeks

Pence announces no copays on coronavirus treatment

Spain suspends all flights to Italy for two weeks

United Nations closes New York Headquarters to the public

The Vatican closes St. Peter's square and Basilica to tourists

Iran reports over 8,000 cases, the second highest outside China

Czech Republic closes schools

Coronavirus is reported in all 26 European Union member states

March 9

Italy declares nation-wide lockdown

UK advises against all but essential travel to Italy

WHO reports that more than 70% of coronavirus cases in China have recovered

Rhode Island declares state of emergency

White House coronavirus task force briefing

Canada announces first coronavirus death

Madrid region in Spain closes all school

China reopens schools in Qinghai Province

Israel imposes 14 day quarantine for all international travelers

Cyprus reports first two coronavirus cases

Louisiana reports first positive coronavirus case

Germany reports first two deaths from coronavirus

New York announces it will be making its own hand sanitizer using prison labor

Egypt cancels large gatherings over 1000 people

March 8

Saudi Arabia suspends air and naval travel with the following countries over growing coronavirus concerns: United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, South Korea, Egypt, Italy, Iraq

Qatar suspends entry from 14 additional countries over coronavirus

First 3 positive coronavirus cases reported in Iowa

Connecticut confirms first case of coronavirus

Number of cases in the United States passes 500

France bans gatherings of more than 1,000 people due to coronavirus concerns

Eight U.S. states declare a state of emergency

The US Army suspends travel for soldiers and families to and from South Korea and Italy

Thailand requires travelers from South Korea, China, Iran and Italy to self-isolate for 14 days

March 7

Kansas reports first positive coronavirus case

DC reports first positive coronavirus case

Maldives confirms first two cases of coronavirus

CPAC attendee tests positive of coronavirus

Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay all announce their first cases of coronavirus

Roughly 5,861 coronavirus tests completed by CDC and public health labs

New York declares a state of emergency

China o utlaws eating wild animals

Week of Feb 29–March 6: New Outbreaks Increase in Europe and the Americas; More Deaths Outside China; SXSW Festival Cancelled.

Status as of March 06, 2020

Total Countries With Confirmed Cases : 90

Total Cases Confirmed Globally: 100,481

Total Deaths Worldwide: 3,408

Deaths Outside of China: 366

March 6

Number of coronavirus cases hits 100,000 globally

Kentucky confirms first case

Oklahoma announces first case

Costa Rica confirms first case

SXSW festival cancelled amidst coronavirus concerns

Colombia reports first case of coronavirus

CDC urges those over 60 to stay indoors

March 5

New Jersey reports its first case

U.S. Mortgage rate tumbles to a record low of 3.29%

Iran rejects offer for U.S. Humanitarian Aid

Maryland declares state of emergency

March 4

Argentina, Chile, Poland, and Ukraine reported new cases of COVID 19.

California declares state of emergency over coronavirus

Japan reports 33 new infections, their biggest one day increase

House passes $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus bill

March 3

Iran temporarily frees 54,000 prisoners to curb the spread of coronavirus

Ukraine confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

China reports only 125 new cases, seven of which are imported cases from Italy.

U.S. Federal Reserve cuts its benchmark interest rate by half a percentage point.

March 2

Andorra confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Indonesia confirms its first cases.

Jordan confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Morocco confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Portugal confirms its first cases, a traveler from Italy.

Saudi Arabia confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Senegal confirms its first case, a traveler from France.

Tunisia confirms its first case.

The United States reports four more deaths, all in Washington state.

March 1

Armenia confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Czech Republic confirms its first cases, three travelers from Italy.

Thailand reports its first death, a thirty-five-year-old man with dengue fever and COVID-19.

The United States reports its second death, a man in his seventies with underlying health conditions.

Florida declares a state of emergency.

Global death toll surpasses 3,000.

February 29

Ecuador confirms its first case, a traveler from Spain.

Ireland confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Luxembourg confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Qatar confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Australia reports its first death, an evacuee from the Diamond Princess.

The United States reports its first death, a man in his fifties with an underlying health condition.

Washington state declares a state of emergency.

Week of Feb 22–Feb 28: Outbreaks Grow in Iran, Italy, and South Korea; Travel Restrictions Increase; Middle East and Europe Grapple With Spread

Status as of February 28, 2020

Total Countries With Confirmed Cases : 56

Total Cases Confirmed Globally: 84,090

Total Deaths Worldwide: 2,874

Deaths Outside of China: 87

February 28

Azerbaijan confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Belarus confirms its first case, a student from Iran.

Iceland confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Lithuania confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

New Zealand confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Mexico confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Monaco confirms its first case.

Switzerland bans all large gatherings over 1,000 people until at least March 15.

Mongolia’s president and other government officials submit to a fourteen-day quarantine after returning from a one-day trip to China.

February 27

Denmark confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

E s tonia confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

The Netherlands confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Nigeria confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

San Marino confirms its first case.

U.S. and South Korean militaries postpone key joint exercises because of the coronavirus.

U.S. CDC widens its testing guidelines.

Saudi Arabia suspends pilgrimage entry visas over coronavirus fears.

Iraq bans public gatherings and bars travelers from nine countries, including Bahrain and Kuwait.

February 26

Brazil confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Georgia confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Greece confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

North Macedonia confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Norway confirms its first case.

Pakistan confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Romania confirms its first case, a man who had close contact with an Italian traveler.

Germany’s minister of health announces the country is “at the beginning of an epidemic.”

WHO announces that February 25 was the first day there was more new cases outside of China than from China.

President Donald Trump names Vice President Mike Pence to lead the U.S. coronavirus response.

An American soldier stationed in South Korea becomes the first U.S. service member to contract COVID-19.

U.S. Department of State issues a Level 3 travel advisory for South Korea.

WHO briefs on the findings of the WHO-led mission to China.

February 25

Algeria confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Austria confirms its first cases, two travelers from Italy.

Croatia confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Switzerland confirms its first case, a traveler from Italy.

Iran’s deputy health minister , Iraj Harirchi, tests positive for the coronavirus. Harirchi was leading the task force to limit the virus’s expansion and had appeared in public through February 24. deputy health minister

Jamaica and the Cayman Islands deny another cruise ship, the MSC Meraviglia, permission to dock and disembark passengers.

U.S. senators receive a classified briefing on the Trump administration’s coronavirus response.

U.S. CDC warns that spread to the United States is likely and that people should prepare.

San Francisco becomes the first U.S. city to declare a state of emergency over COVID-19.

February 24

Afghanistan confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Bahrain confirms its first case, a traveler from Iran.

Iraq confirms its first case, a student from Iran.

Kuwait confirms its first cases, three travelers from Iran.

Oman confirms its first cases, two travelers from Iran.

Italy reports an additional four deaths, raising its total to seven.

Stock markets plunge after significant increases in confirmed cases and deaths outside of China over the weekend.

Chinese officials postpone the National People’s Congress, the most significant political event in China.

China warns its citizens against traveling to the United States, stating that Chinese tourists have faced unfair treatment in the country due to excessive prevention measures.

Wuhan officials announce visitors trapped in the city may leave, but then promptly reverse the decision.

The Trump administration sends a budget request to Congress for $2.5 billion to fight COVID-19.

U.S. CDC issues a Level 3 travel warning for South Korea and Level 2 warnings for Iran and Italy .

February 23

Iran reports an additional two deaths, raising its total to eight.

Iran shuts down schools, universities, and other educational centers in fourteen provinces, including in Qom and Tehran.

Israel extends its entry ban to include Japan and South Korea.

South Korea reports two additional deaths, raising its total to six.

South Korea raises its alert level to “red,” the highest level available.

The l ast passenger disembarks from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Japan reports the third death from the Diamond Princess, but is unclear if the passenger had COVID-19.

Italy reports its third death.

Italy passes emergency measures throughout the country to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Afghanistan , Armenia , Turkey , and Pakistan close their borders with Iran.

Austria halts trains from Italy temporarily over a COVID-19 scare.

U.S. CDC issues Level 1 warnings for Iran and Italy .

February 22

Italy reports its second death.

Iran reports an additional two deaths, raising its total to six.

South Korea reports two additional deaths, raising its total to four.

Israel refuses to permit 130 South Koreans to disembark from a flight from Seoul.

U.S. CDC issues a Level 2 travel advisory for Japan and South Korea .

WHO-led joint mission arrives in Wuhan, China.

The U.S. Department of State issues Level 2 travel advisories (exercise increased caution) for Japan and South Korea .

Japan apologizes for allowing twenty-three passengers to leave the Diamond Princess without being tested.

Family members during a protest in Karachi, Pakistan on Feb. 16, 2020 hold signs demanding the evacuation of Pakistani students from Wuhan, China who couldn't return after the coronavirus outbreak. REUTERS/Imran Ali

Week of Feb 15–Feb 21: Cruise Ship Cases Rise; Outbreaks in Iran, Italy, and South Korea; More Deaths Outside Mainland China

Status as of February 20, 2020

Total Countries With Confirmed Cases: 27

Total Cases Confirmed Globally : 75,386

Total Deaths Worldwide: 2,129

Deaths Outside of China: 11

February 21

South Korea reports its second death.

Iran reports two additional deaths.

Italy reports its first death.

Japan suspends major public gatherings to counter the spread of COVID-19.

Lebanon confirms its first case, a woman returning from the Iranian city of Qom.

Israel confirms its first case.

Italy closes public spaces in ten Italian towns after confirming sixteen cases in northern Italy in one day.

The United States confirms a total of thirty-four coronavirus cases, including passengers evacuated from the Diamond Princess.

The city of Costa Mesa, California, files a restraining order to prevent U.S. federal agencies from housing and quarantining people with COVID-19 at a nearby developmental center.

Hubei party secretary Ying Yong orders all cases removed from official provincial tallies on Thursday due to change in classification mechanisms to be added back to the total tally.

Shandong reports an outbreak in Rencheng prison of 200 confirmed cases.

February 20

Japan reports two additional deaths, passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Japan confirms an additional thirteen cases aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 634.

Singapore confirms what is believed to be the first patient infected with both dengue and COVID-19.

South Korea reports its first death.

South Korea reports a doubling of COVID-19 cases in twenty-four hours.

The mayor of Daegu, South Korea asks residents in the city to remain inside following a steep increase in cases.

Iran urges people to limit movements in the city of Qom, where there has been four confirmed cases of COVID-19.

Kuwait suspends all flights of Kuwait Airways to Iran and advises citizens not to travel to Qom.

Iraq closes its border with Iran.

A woman in British Colombia, Canada, tests positive for the coronavirus after returning from Iran.

China’s National Health Commission again changes its classification system for cases in Hubei province. The new classification no longer includes clinically confirmed cases in data for confirmed cases of COVID-19.

February 19

COVID-19 death toll surpasses 2,000.

Japan confirms an additional seventy-nine cases aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 621.

Passengers aboard the Princess Diamond begin to disembark from the ship.

South Korea reports twenty cases in one day, almost all of which are linked to one woman.

China expels three Wall Street Journal reporters over an opinion piece that referred to China as “the real sick man of Asia.”

Iran confirms its first and second cases.

Iran reports its first and second deaths from COVID-19; the individuals were the two cases announced earlier in the day.

Hong Kong reports its second death from COVID-19.

Cambodia announces that the remaining passengers from the MS Westerdam still in the country tested negative for COVID-19.

February 18

Japan confirms an additional eighty-eight cases aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 542.

Russia bans all Chinese citizens from entering the country.

346 Americans evacuated from Wuhan complete their quarantine at two military bases in California.

U.S. CDC issues a statement on the Diamond Princess quarantine, preventing all passengers and crew of the ship from returning to the United States for at least fourteen days after leaving Diamond Princess.

Liu Zhiming, director of the Wuchang hospital in Wuhan, China, dies from the COVID-19.

Chinese state media announces that doctors and nurses who die while trying to contain the outbreak will be officially designated as “martyrs.”

February 17

WHO announces it will report all confirmed cases, including both laboratory-confirmed cases and clinically diagnosed cases.

Apple warns investors that the company does not expect to meet the revenue guidance for the upcoming March quarter due to the impact of the COVID-19.

Chinese state media reports that China’s annual parliamentary meeting, originally scheduled for early March, will likely be delayed.

Armed robbers in Hong Kong steal HK$1,600 worth of toilet paper as COVID-19 has sparked panicked-buying of essential goods in Hong Kong.

Japan confirms an additional ninety-nine cases aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 454.

Evacuated U.S. passengers from the cruise ship Diamond Princess arrive in the United States, including fourteen with confirmed infections.

February 16

Taiwan reports the fifth death outside of mainland China.

Japan warns that it has entered a “new phase” of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Japan confirms an additional seventy cases aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 355.

The WHO-led expert team arrives in Beijing.

February 15

France reports the fourth death outside of mainland China.

WHO Director General addresses the Munich Security Conference about COVID-19, warning that the pathogen has pandemic potential.

Japan confirms an additional sixty-seven cases aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 285.

Lockdowns and travel restrictions extend to more than 760 million people in China.

The Guangzhou branch of China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, announces that all used banknotes from hospitals, wet markets, and buses will be destroyed to combat COVID-19.

An American passenger from the MS Westerdam tests positive for COVID-19 in Malaysia after passengers had disembarked from the cruise ship in Cambodia.

The United States announces plans to evacuate nearly four hundred Americans quarantined on the Diamond Princess cruise ship; passengers who test positive for COVID-19 will be treated in Japan.

The MS Westerdam cruise ship seen on Feb. 13, 2020 near a port in Sihanoukville, Cambodia where it was granted permission to dock after nearly two weeks at sea and being turned away by five countries. REUTERS/Soe Zeya Tun.

Week of Feb 8–Feb 14: Death Toll Surpasses That of SARS; WHO-led Team Heads for China; Cruise Ship Cases Surpass 100

Status as of February 13, 2020

Total Countries With Confirmed Cases : 25

Total Cases Confirmed Globally: 60,387

Total Deaths Worldwide: 1370

Deaths Outside of China: 3

February 14

Hubei revises numbers released on February 13, due to double counting.

Egypt confirms first case, the first case confirmed on the African continent.

Beijing announced that everyone returning to the city would be required to isolate themselves for fourteen days.

Singapore's Prime Minister warns that the coronavirus might lead to a recession.

Passengers and crew aboard the MS Westerdam disembark in Cambodia.

Confirmed virus-free passengers and passengers aged over eighty-years-old who test negative for the virus are allowed to disembark from the Princess Diamond cruise ship.

China announces that more than 1,700 health workers in mainland China have become infected.

February 13

U.S. CDC Director says that the coronavirus will likely become a community virus and remain beyond this season.

United States confirms fifteen case of the coronavirus.

Hubei’s reported cases increase almost tenfold and deaths more than double following a change in diagnostic criteria.

EU health ministers convene in Brussels for an emergency health meeting on how to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in Europe.

Cambodia allows the MS Westerdam cruise ship to dock.

China dismisses top party officials in Hubei province.

Japan confirms an additional forty-four cases aboard Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 218.

Japan reports the third death outside of mainland China.

Vietnam quarantines a community of ten-thousand people near Hanoi.

February 12

United States confirms fourteenth case.

Some U.S. states find testing kits distributed by CDC deliver “inconclusive” results.

Japan confirms an additional thirty-nine cases aboard Diamond Princess cruise ship, raising the total to 174.

Cambodia agrees to let the cruise ship MS Westerdam dock and disembark.

Guangzhou and Shenzhen are given the power to requisition private property to fight the coronavirus.

WHO hosts the second of a two-day global research and innovation forum on the coronavirus.

February 11

The death toll for the coronavirus surpasses 1,000.

Two senior Hubei provincial health commission officials are removed from their posts.

Thailand denies the cruise ship MS Westerdam from docking in its ports. The ship has already been denied entry in Guam, Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

WHO hosts the first of a two-day global research and innovation forum on the coronavirus.

The first group of Americans evacuated from Wuhan are released from quarantine.

WHO names the disease COVID-19, short for “coronavirus disease 2019.”

February 10

The United States confirms its thirteenth case.

Japan confirms an additional sixty-five people aboard the Diamond Princess are infected with the coronavirus, raising the total to 135.

The United Kingdom declares that the coronavirus constitutes a serious and imminent threat to public health.

Some Chinese citizens return to work, but many major companies have asked employees to stay home.

The Trump administration releases a budget proposal for FY21 that would sharply cut funding for WHO and global health funding.

An advance team of WHO experts lands in China.

Russia quarantines a Chinese diplomat as a supposed safety precaution.

February 9

The death toll from the novel coronavirus surpasses the toll from the SARS epidemic of 2002-3.

China allocates more than $10 billion USD to fight the coronavirus.

The Chinese Ambassador to the United States Cui Tiankai addresses rumors about the origin of the coronavirus on U.S. television.

An advance team for the WHO-led 2019-nCoV international expert mission departs for China.

February 8

WHO announces a team of experts has been assembled, and they are intended to arrive in China within a week.

Xi Jinping visits hospitals and treatment centers in Beijing.

Wuhan opens a second new hospital to fight the coronavirus.

China’s National Health Commission gives the coronavirus a temporary name, Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia or NCP.

Japan confirms a Japanese citizen died in Wuhan from the coronavirus.

Outbreak and response: an aerial view shows the newly completed Huoshenshan Hospital on Feb 2, 2020. This dedicated hospital was built in eight days to treat people with coronavirus in Wuhan, China. REUTERS/China Daily

Week of Feb 1–Feb 7: First Deaths Outside China; Coordinated G7 Response; Chinese Stock Markets Plunge

Status as of February 07, 2020

Total Countries With Confirmed Cases: 25

Total Cases Confirmed Globally: 31,484

Total Deaths Worldwide: 638

Deaths Outside of China: 2

February 7

Li Wenliang, one of the eight whistleblower doctors in Wuhan, from the coronavirus . dies from the coronavirus

Chinese social media is flooded with grief and anger over the passing of Li Wenliang.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping speak about the coronavirus, with Trump praising China’s efforts and pledging support.

Japan confirms an additional twenty-one cases aboard the cruise ship, including the first person from Latin America to be infected with the coronavirus.

Singapore raises its virus alert to orange (the same level given to SARS and H1N1), sparking panicked purchases of essentials across the island.

The United States pledges $100 million USD to assisting China and other countries fight the coronavirus.

February 6

An American citizen with the coronavirus dies in Wuhan, becoming the first known American death from the outbreak.

Japan confirms an additional ten cases of the coronavirus on the cruise ship.

Taiwan extends its travel advisory to those coming from Macau and Hong Kong.

Russia rejects a Saudi-led effort to deepen OPEC’s oil production cuts in response to the coronavirus.

Chinese authorities order Wuhan officials to carry out house-to-house searches and house all infected individuals in quarantine centers.

WHO convenes global research and innovation forum to accelerate research and action on the coronavirus.

February 5

The United States completes a second round of evacuations from Wuhan.

The United States confirms its twelfth case.

Hong Kong announces mandatory two-week quarantine for anyone arriving from mainland China and has suspended ten out of thirteen boarder crossing with mainland China.

Japan confirms ten cases of the coronavirus on a cruise ship with nearly 4,000 passengers and crew and announces the ship will be quarantined for two weeks.

CDC announces several planes carrying passengers from Wuhan, China, will arrive in California, Texas, and Nebraska.

CDC begins shipping diagnostic test kits to more than a hundred labs in the United States.

WHO launches a $675 million preparedness and response plan for February through April 2020 to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus and protect states with weaker health systems.

An infant tests positive for the coronavirus just thirty hours after birth, raising concerns of vertical transmission.

U.S. Peace Corps evacuates all volunteers out of China.

February 4

Belgium confirms its first case.

Hong Kong reports the second death outside of mainland China.

Taiwan announces ban on foreign nationals who have been to China in past fourteen days.

United Kingdom and France advise against all but essential travel to mainland China.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issues an emergency use authorization for CDC’s diagnostic test.

President Trump pledges to safeguard Americans from the coronavirus in his State of the Union address.

February 3

Chinese stock markets plunge on the first trading day after the Lunar New Year.

The first U.S. coronavirus patient is discharged from the hospital.

Ministries of health from G7 countries agree to coordinate their responses to the outbreak.

Germany’s public health agency refutes information in an earlier study that supposedly proved asymptomatic transmission of the coronavirus in Germany.

February 2

United States confirms its ninth , tenth, and eleventh cases. confirms

Construction on a new hospital in Wuhan is completed within ten days.

Wuhan tightens quarantine efforts, targeting anyone who has had close contact with confirmed carriers of the virus and people with pneumonia-like symptoms.

February 1

United States confirms its eighth case.

The Philippines reports the first death outside of mainland China.

China’s Ministry of Agriculture reports another disease outbreak: a new bird flu.

Wenzhou becomes the first city outside of Hubei province to implement “special measures” to restrict travel, businesses, and public gatherings.

Photo of the Week: A plane sent by U.S. State Department to evacuate Americans from threat of Coronavirus in Wuhan, China arrives at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County, Calif. on Jan 29, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Week of Jan 25–Jan 31: First Cases Appear in Many More Countries; Travel Bans Spread

January 31

Russia confirms its first case.

Italy confirms its first case.

United Kingdom confirms its first case.

Singapore announces sweeping ban on Chinese visitors and all those who had visited China within the past fourteen days.

Mongolia closes its border with China.

January 30

India confirms first first case.

The Philippines confirms its first case.

The United States confirms its sixth case, the first person-to-person transmission of the coronavirus in the country.

The WHO declares the coronavirus outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Germany finds evidence of asymptomatic transmission of the coronavirus.

The United States issues a Level 4 travel advisory for all of China.

Russia closes its border with China.

January 29

United Arab Emirates confirms its first case.

Finland confirms its first case.

Several other airlines in North America, Europe, and Asia suspend flights to China.

A new study in the New England Journal of Medicine finds evidence of human-to-human transmission as early as mid-December in Wuhan. Germany’s public health agency refutes information a week later.

The United States and Japan are the first countries to evacuate citizens from Wuhan.

January 28

China announces it will admit a WHO team of experts to aid with research and response.

Hong Kong and Mongolia announce partial closures of their borders with mainland China.

Japan and the United States evacuate their nationals from Wuhan.

suspends United Airlinesall flights to China from the United States.

January 27

Wuhan suspends customs entry and exit services in the city until Thursday.

Cambodia confirms its first case.

Sri Lanka confirms its first case.

Germany confirms its first case.

Wuhan mayor offers to resign.

United States extends screening to twenty airports.

January 26

China bans the trade of wild animals throughout the country, including in markets and online.

United States confirms fourth and fifth cases in Los Angeles and Arizona.

January 25

Australia confirms its first case.

Canada confirms its first case.

United States confirms its third case, a man in his fifties in Orange County, California.

First medical professional who had treated people with the coronavirus dies from the virus.

Excavators and bulldozers at a construction site on the outskirts of Wuhan, China on Jan. 24, 2020, where a new hospital is being built to treat people with coronavirus, following the city's lockdown. REUTERS/cnsphoto.

Week of Jan 18–Jan 24: First Cases Appear in United States and Europe; The Closing of Wuhan

January 24

Chinese CDC confirms 830 cases in mainland China and 25 deaths, with the first death occurring outside of Hubei province in Hebei.

The Chinese province of Heilongjiang confirms an additional death, raising the death count to 26.

Nepal confirms its first case.

Vietnam confirms its first case.

France confirms its first and second cases.

The United States confirms its second case, a woman in her sixties in Chicago.

Malaysia confirms its first case.

China extends travel restrictions or quarantines to twelve cities.

Wuhan construction crews are working on two hospitals to treat patients of the outbreak; the first is to be completed on February 3 and the second in early February.

January 23

Chinese CDC confirms 571 cases in mainland China and 17 deaths.

China extends travel restrictions or quarantines to five cities.

WHO meets again and decides not to declare the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).

Singapore confirms its first case.

January 22

North Korea closes its borders to all foreign tourists to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Chinese officials confirm the virus may mutate .

Chinese CDC confirms a total of 440 cases in mainland China and 9 deaths.

Macau confirms its first case.

WHO meets to discuss whether to declare the outbreak an international health emergency.

January 21

United States confirms its first case in Washington state, a man who traveled to the Wuhan area.

China confirms two additional deaths, a sixty-six-year-old man and a forty-eight-year-old woman

New cases are announced in China, including in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai.

Chinese state media raises number of confirmed cases to 291 and confirms 15 medical workers in Wuhan have been diagnosed with pneumonia.

Hong Kong confirms its first case, a person in their thirties.

Taiwan confirms its first case, a woman in her fifties.

January 20

China’s CDC announces the coronavirus is categorized as a Class B infectious disease, but states that the agency is adopting Class A measures to prevent and control the virus.

China confirms fourth death, an eighty-nine-year-old man.

South Korea confirms its first case.

Chinese state TV confirms the human-to-human transmission of the disease.

January 18

A third person dies from the coronavirus.

A police officer wearing a mask stands in front of the closed seafood market in Wuhan, China on January 10, 2020. The market is linked to the coronavirus outbreak. REUTERS/Stringer

Dec 1–Jan 17: First Cases Reported in China; Outbreak Spreads to Other Countries

January 17

A second man, aged sixty-nine, dies in Wuhan.

Thailand reports its second case, a seventy-four-year-old woman.

January 16

Japan reports its first case, a man in his mid-thirties who did not visit the seafood market.

January 14

Wuhan implements screening measures for travelers leaving the city at airports, railway stations, and other passenger terminals.

January 13

Thailand reports its first case, a sixty-one year old woman who did not visit the seafood market.

January 3

China officially notifies the WHO of an outbreak.

January 1

The seafood market (Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market) that was identified as a suspected center of the outbreak is closed.

December 31

Wuhan Municipal Health Authorities report a string of pneumonia-like cases in Wuhan, China.

December 29

Local hospitals in Hubei report the first four cases of a “pneumonia of unknown etiology.”

December 8

A patient in the city of Wuhan sought medical help for pneumonia-like symptoms.

December 1

The earliest date of symptom onset, according to a study in the journal Lancet .

Caroline Kantis is an interdepartmental program assistant at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Samantha Kiernan is a research associate on global health, economics, and development at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).

Jason Socrates Bardi is the deputy managing editor for Think Global Health, in the David Rockefeller Studies Program at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR).