CORONAVIRUS A history of the Virus and events connected to it.
CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK
A new disease reared its head at the end of 2019 and start of 2020 in China.
17 Nov 2019 FIRST CASE OF CORONAVIRUS REPORTED in Wuhan, Hubei, China.
31 Dec 2019 A public notice on the outbreak was released to the World Health Organisation
(WHO).
20 Jan 2020 South Korea confirmed its first case of Coronavirus.
23 Jan 2020 Quarantine was announced to stop travel to the Wuhan area of China.
25 Jan 2020 Chinese New Year cancelled in China and many places round the world.
31 Jan 2020 (1) The First cases confirmed in GREAT BRITAIN with two members of a
Chinese family in Newcastle upon Tyne.
31 Jan 2020 (2) The first cases were confirmed in Italy.
31 Jan 2020 (3) The USA closed its borders to anyone from China.
19 Feb 2020 Iran confirmed its first case of Coronavirus.
22 Feb 2020 Northern Italy was put into Quarantine.
27 Feb 2020 Japan closed its Elementary, Junior high and High Schools until early April.
29 Feb 2020 The USA reported its first death from Coronavirus in Kirkland, Washington.
4 Mar 2020 (1) Schools and Universities in Italy were closed as Italy reached 100 deaths in
the country.
4 Mar 2020 (2) The James Bond film “No Time to Die” was postponed from the 3 April 2020
to the 12 November 2020.
5 Mar 2020 The Airline “FlyBe” went into administration due to the rapid drop of passengers.
10 Mar 2020 (1) The Football Match between Manchester City and Arsenal was cancelled after it
was reported that Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis had Coronavirus.
10 Mar 2020 (2) Peter Rabbit 2 was postponed until the 7 Aug 2020.
11 Mar 2020 (1) Football Manager Mike Arteta (Arsenal) and Chelsea Footballer
Callum Hudson-Odoi had Coronavirus.
11 Mar 2020 (2) World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a Pandemic.
12 Mar 2020 Shows like “Ellen” decided to record the programme without an audience.
Other shows effected included “The Late Show” (Stephen Colbert),
“The Tonight Show” (Jimmy Fallon), “Late Night” (Seth Myers).
“The Late Late Show” with James Corden was filmed without an audience.
The Fast and the Furious 9 film was postponed until Feb 2021.
Other USA Programmes suspended filming on “NCIS”, “The Good Fight”
and “The Morning Show” with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for Coronavirus.
13 Mar 2020 (1) The USA closed its borders to anyone from Europe, Excluding Great Britain
for 30 days (Announced on the 11 March 2020).
13 Mar 2020 (2) 144,000 cases confirmed in more than 130 countries.
5,300 people died so far of the disease.
Main Countries = China, Italy, South Korea and Iran.
13 March 2020 (3) SPORT AND EVENTS CANCELLED =
a) The Australian Grand Prix (Cancelled / Postponed)
Bahrain and Vietnam also Postponed
McLaren team member tested positive causing them to withdraw
from the race in Australia.
b) FA Football and England League Matches (Cancelled for 3 Weeks)
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Football also Cancelled.
c) The London Marathon was postponed until October 2020.
d) BBC Radio 4’s “Any Questions” broadcast from the studio rather than
The Shetland Islands “Shetland Museum”.
e) BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Cancelled. It was due to be held at Dundee
over the late May bank Holiday.
f) Local and Mayoral Elections postponed until 2021 (118 English Councils).
g) The Film Mulan 2 was delayed.
h) Record Store Day was postponed from the 18 April until the 20 June 2020.
i) The QUEEN postponed planned visits to Bentley Cars in Crewe and the
Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope due on the 19 March 2020.
13 Mar 2020 (4) The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that 5,000 had died around
the world to this date.
13 Mar 2020 (5) Albania = Closed its border with Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Austria (EU) = Closed its borders with Italy.
Cyprus (19.55pm) = Closed its borders to everyone except locals and
current workers.
Czech Republic = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose.
Only allowing those with residents permits to enter.
Denmark = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose.
Hong Kong = Announced travel restrictions and quarantine measurers.
Hungary = Closed land borders with Austria and Slovenia.
Italy = FCO recommend no travel into the country with many countries
shutting down their borders.
Poland = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose (15 Mar).
Malta = Boarder Closing
Pakistan = Boarder Closing
Romania = Closed its borders with Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Moldova.
Serbia = Closed its borders with Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia,
Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia.
Slovakia = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose
Poles or residents permits.
Slovenia = Closed its borders with Italy. Bus and Train Travel suspended.
Foreigners may enter but only with a medical certificate issued in
the last 3 days.
Ukraine = Bans all foreigners from entering for two weeks.
13 Mar 2020 (6) Switzerland to close its ski resorts on the Sunday (15 Mar) and will be
cleared of visitors by Monday (16 Mar)
14 Mar 2020 Mount Everest was closed to climbers with no permits being issued by
the Nepal Government from the 14 March 2020 until the 30 April 2020.
15 Mar 2020 (1) The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised that travel to
Spain was not to be made unless absolutely necessary.
Spain also introduced a national lockdown.
15 Mar 2020 (2) The Government proposed that the Aged over 70 may have to self-isolate
themselves for 4 months.
15 Mar 2020 (3) The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised that there was
to be no travel to the USA.
16 Mar 2020 (1) (USA and France) Disneyland Shuts down all its attractions
(Announced 13 Mar 2020).
16 Mar 2020 (2) Portugal and Germany closed their borders to all foreigners.
16 Mar 2020 (3) USA Authorities advise against gathering of over 50 people at a time.
16 Mar 2020 (4) (PSA Group) Peugeot, Citron and Vauxhall plan to close its European plants
while the epidemic continues partly due to the difficulty of getting parts
from China etc.
16 Mar 2020 (5) Ministry of Justice announced that a prison officer at High Down Prison in Surrey,
has been confirmed as having Coronavirus.
16 Mar 2020 (6) Isle of Man TT cancelled.
16 Mar 2020 (7) GOVERNMENT DAILY BRIEFINGS STARTED
Previously the Government had advised that anyone with High Temperature
or a continuous cough should self-isolate.
AS OF THE 16 MAR 2020.
1) As the Government reached what they consider to be the fast growth period
they suggest a 14 Days isolation for the household of anyone who has symptoms
and their family if they have a High Temperature or a Continuous Cough.
2) The Government advised that the population should avoid Non-Essential contact
with others via travel and including pubs, clubs’, theatres etc.
3) 12 Weeks isolation for the vulnerable.
4) The Government will Not be supporting mass gatherings from the
17 March 2020.
17 Mar 2020 (1) ODEON and CINEWORLD have closed its doors in all their Cinemas.
17 Mar 2020 (2) The Foreign Office advised non-essential travel be suspended for 30 days.
17 Mar 2020 (3) Church of England has suspended all services although Weddings, Funerals
are still taking place. Churches will still be open but only for private acts of worship.
17 Mar 2020 (4) European Championship Football postponed until 2021.
17 Mar 2020 (5) President Maron announced that France was to be on lockdown for 15 days
starting at 12noon on the 17 March.
17 Mar 2020 (6) The Grand National was cancelled.
17 Mar 2020 (7) The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre closed until further notice.
17 Mar 2020 (8) All Theatres closed until further notice.
17 Mar 2020 (9) The Chancellor announced various measures to help with the crisis.
1) The Government will set up a £330 Billion loan scheme for businesses.
To help with Rent, supplies and wages.
2) Extending the business rates holiday to all firms in the hospitality business
for a three-month mortgage holiday.
17 Mar Tbc Radio and Television Awards announced on the website not at ceremony.
18 Mar 2020 (1) Filming on BBC dramas suspended including Eastenders, Casualty, Holby City.
18 Mar 2020 (2) Eurovision Song Contest Cancelled
18 Mar 2020 (3) Welsh Schools to close on Friday (20 Mar)
18 Mar 2020 (4) PM Questions held with only those scheduled to ask questions in the chamber
these included Edward Timpson.
20 Mar 2020 (1) The Government announced the closure of all PUBS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS,
GYMNS, THEATRES and all forms of entertainment and gathering places from
Midnight or as soon as possible.
20 Mar 2020 (2) The Government would pay up to 80% of wages from those made redundant due
to the shutdown of the above, backdated to the 1 March 2020. This is up to a
maximum payment of £2,500 per month.
20 Mar 2020 (3) Business Rates for the Leisure Industry (Theatres, Cafes, clubs etc.) will be
suspended for this year with a payment scheme for next year.
(May be free for a year)
23 Mar 2020 Boris Johnson announced a NATIONAL LOCKDOWN with Markets, shops
and other places would close.
Weddings, Baptisms and other gatherings except funerals would be stopped.
25 Mar 2020 It was announced that Prince Charles has Coronavirus. No other member of
the Royal family has symptoms so far.
26 Mar 2020 The Nation backed a “Clap for NHS” campaign where on Thursday at 8pm
The nation will go outside and clap for a minute in support of the NHS Staff.
27 Mar 2020 Boris Johnson (PM), Matt Hancock (Health Minister) and the Governments
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty all tested positive for mild
Coronavirus / Corvid 19.
29 Mar 2020 Postal worker John Matson dressed up in fancy dress to lift spirits of those
on his rounds in South Tyneside. He has so far dressed as a Roman Soldier
and Little Bo-Peep. (News Item)
29 Mar 2020 Britain’s Oldest Man, Bob Weighton (From Alton in Hampshire / World’s Oldest
man) and Oldest Woman, Joan Hocquard (Lives in Poole) celebrated their
112th Birthdays in isolation. Both were born on the 29 March 1909.
They have both lived through 5 Monarchs (Kings and a Queen),
22 Prime Ministers and 21 USA Presidents.
A new disease reared its head at the end of 2019 and start of 2020 in China.
17 Nov 2019 FIRST CASE OF CORONAVIRUS REPORTED in Wuhan, Hubei, China.
31 Dec 2019 A public notice on the outbreak was released to the World Health Organisation
(WHO).
20 Jan 2020 South Korea confirmed its first case of Coronavirus.
23 Jan 2020 Quarantine was announced to stop travel to the Wuhan area of China.
25 Jan 2020 Chinese New Year cancelled in China and many places round the world.
31 Jan 2020 (1) The First cases confirmed in GREAT BRITAIN with two members of a
Chinese family in Newcastle upon Tyne.
31 Jan 2020 (2) The first cases were confirmed in Italy.
31 Jan 2020 (3) The USA closed its borders to anyone from China.
19 Feb 2020 Iran confirmed its first case of Coronavirus.
22 Feb 2020 Northern Italy was put into Quarantine.
27 Feb 2020 Japan closed its Elementary, Junior high and High Schools until early April.
29 Feb 2020 The USA reported its first death from Coronavirus in Kirkland, Washington.
4 Mar 2020 (1) Schools and Universities in Italy were closed as Italy reached 100 deaths in
the country.
4 Mar 2020 (2) The James Bond film “No Time to Die” was postponed from the 3 April 2020
to the 12 November 2020.
5 Mar 2020 The Airline “FlyBe” went into administration due to the rapid drop of passengers.
10 Mar 2020 (1) The Football Match between Manchester City and Arsenal was cancelled after it
was reported that Nottingham Forest Owner Evangelos Marinakis had Coronavirus.
10 Mar 2020 (2) Peter Rabbit 2 was postponed until the 7 Aug 2020.
11 Mar 2020 (1) Football Manager Mike Arteta (Arsenal) and Chelsea Footballer
Callum Hudson-Odoi had Coronavirus.
11 Mar 2020 (2) World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak a Pandemic.
12 Mar 2020 Shows like “Ellen” decided to record the programme without an audience.
Other shows effected included “The Late Show” (Stephen Colbert),
“The Tonight Show” (Jimmy Fallon), “Late Night” (Seth Myers).
“The Late Late Show” with James Corden was filmed without an audience.
The Fast and the Furious 9 film was postponed until Feb 2021.
Other USA Programmes suspended filming on “NCIS”, “The Good Fight”
and “The Morning Show” with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon.
Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson tested positive for Coronavirus.
13 Mar 2020 (1) The USA closed its borders to anyone from Europe, Excluding Great Britain
for 30 days (Announced on the 11 March 2020).
13 Mar 2020 (2) 144,000 cases confirmed in more than 130 countries.
5,300 people died so far of the disease.
Main Countries = China, Italy, South Korea and Iran.
13 March 2020 (3) SPORT AND EVENTS CANCELLED =
a) The Australian Grand Prix (Cancelled / Postponed)
Bahrain and Vietnam also Postponed
McLaren team member tested positive causing them to withdraw
from the race in Australia.
b) FA Football and England League Matches (Cancelled for 3 Weeks)
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland Football also Cancelled.
c) The London Marathon was postponed until October 2020.
d) BBC Radio 4’s “Any Questions” broadcast from the studio rather than
The Shetland Islands “Shetland Museum”.
e) BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Cancelled. It was due to be held at Dundee
over the late May bank Holiday.
f) Local and Mayoral Elections postponed until 2021 (118 English Councils).
g) The Film Mulan 2 was delayed.
h) Record Store Day was postponed from the 18 April until the 20 June 2020.
i) The QUEEN postponed planned visits to Bentley Cars in Crewe and the
Jodrell Bank Radio Telescope due on the 19 March 2020.
13 Mar 2020 (4) The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that 5,000 had died around
the world to this date.
13 Mar 2020 (5) Albania = Closed its border with Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Austria (EU) = Closed its borders with Italy.
Cyprus (19.55pm) = Closed its borders to everyone except locals and
current workers.
Czech Republic = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose.
Only allowing those with residents permits to enter.
Denmark = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose.
Hong Kong = Announced travel restrictions and quarantine measurers.
Hungary = Closed land borders with Austria and Slovenia.
Italy = FCO recommend no travel into the country with many countries
shutting down their borders.
Poland = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose (15 Mar).
Malta = Boarder Closing
Pakistan = Boarder Closing
Romania = Closed its borders with Hungary, Ukraine, Bulgaria and Moldova.
Serbia = Closed its borders with Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia,
Montenegro, Bosnia and Croatia.
Slovakia = Bans all foreigners from entering without a valid purpose
Poles or residents permits.
Slovenia = Closed its borders with Italy. Bus and Train Travel suspended.
Foreigners may enter but only with a medical certificate issued in
the last 3 days.
Ukraine = Bans all foreigners from entering for two weeks.
13 Mar 2020 (6) Switzerland to close its ski resorts on the Sunday (15 Mar) and will be
cleared of visitors by Monday (16 Mar)
14 Mar 2020 Mount Everest was closed to climbers with no permits being issued by
the Nepal Government from the 14 March 2020 until the 30 April 2020.
15 Mar 2020 (1) The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised that travel to
Spain was not to be made unless absolutely necessary.
Spain also introduced a national lockdown.
15 Mar 2020 (2) The Government proposed that the Aged over 70 may have to self-isolate
themselves for 4 months.
15 Mar 2020 (3) The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised that there was
to be no travel to the USA.
16 Mar 2020 (1) (USA and France) Disneyland Shuts down all its attractions
(Announced 13 Mar 2020).
16 Mar 2020 (2) Portugal and Germany closed their borders to all foreigners.
16 Mar 2020 (3) USA Authorities advise against gathering of over 50 people at a time.
16 Mar 2020 (4) (PSA Group) Peugeot, Citron and Vauxhall plan to close its European plants
while the epidemic continues partly due to the difficulty of getting parts
from China etc.
16 Mar 2020 (5) Ministry of Justice announced that a prison officer at High Down Prison in Surrey,
has been confirmed as having Coronavirus.
16 Mar 2020 (6) Isle of Man TT cancelled.
16 Mar 2020 (7) GOVERNMENT DAILY BRIEFINGS STARTED
Previously the Government had advised that anyone with High Temperature
or a continuous cough should self-isolate.
AS OF THE 16 MAR 2020.
1) As the Government reached what they consider to be the fast growth period
they suggest a 14 Days isolation for the household of anyone who has symptoms
and their family if they have a High Temperature or a Continuous Cough.
2) The Government advised that the population should avoid Non-Essential contact
with others via travel and including pubs, clubs’, theatres etc.
3) 12 Weeks isolation for the vulnerable.
4) The Government will Not be supporting mass gatherings from the
17 March 2020.
17 Mar 2020 (1) ODEON and CINEWORLD have closed its doors in all their Cinemas.
17 Mar 2020 (2) The Foreign Office advised non-essential travel be suspended for 30 days.
17 Mar 2020 (3) Church of England has suspended all services although Weddings, Funerals
are still taking place. Churches will still be open but only for private acts of worship.
17 Mar 2020 (4) European Championship Football postponed until 2021.
17 Mar 2020 (5) President Maron announced that France was to be on lockdown for 15 days
starting at 12noon on the 17 March.
17 Mar 2020 (6) The Grand National was cancelled.
17 Mar 2020 (7) The Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre closed until further notice.
17 Mar 2020 (8) All Theatres closed until further notice.
17 Mar 2020 (9) The Chancellor announced various measures to help with the crisis.
1) The Government will set up a £330 Billion loan scheme for businesses.
To help with Rent, supplies and wages.
2) Extending the business rates holiday to all firms in the hospitality business
for a three-month mortgage holiday.
17 Mar Tbc Radio and Television Awards announced on the website not at ceremony.
18 Mar 2020 (1) Filming on BBC dramas suspended including Eastenders, Casualty, Holby City.
18 Mar 2020 (2) Eurovision Song Contest Cancelled
18 Mar 2020 (3) Welsh Schools to close on Friday (20 Mar)
18 Mar 2020 (4) PM Questions held with only those scheduled to ask questions in the chamber
these included Edward Timpson.
20 Mar 2020 (1) The Government announced the closure of all PUBS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS,
GYMNS, THEATRES and all forms of entertainment and gathering places from
Midnight or as soon as possible.
20 Mar 2020 (2) The Government would pay up to 80% of wages from those made redundant due
to the shutdown of the above, backdated to the 1 March 2020. This is up to a
maximum payment of £2,500 per month.
20 Mar 2020 (3) Business Rates for the Leisure Industry (Theatres, Cafes, clubs etc.) will be
suspended for this year with a payment scheme for next year.
(May be free for a year)
23 Mar 2020 Boris Johnson announced a NATIONAL LOCKDOWN with Markets, shops
and other places would close.
Weddings, Baptisms and other gatherings except funerals would be stopped.
25 Mar 2020 It was announced that Prince Charles has Coronavirus. No other member of
the Royal family has symptoms so far.
26 Mar 2020 The Nation backed a “Clap for NHS” campaign where on Thursday at 8pm
The nation will go outside and clap for a minute in support of the NHS Staff.
27 Mar 2020 Boris Johnson (PM), Matt Hancock (Health Minister) and the Governments
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty all tested positive for mild
Coronavirus / Corvid 19.
29 Mar 2020 Postal worker John Matson dressed up in fancy dress to lift spirits of those
on his rounds in South Tyneside. He has so far dressed as a Roman Soldier
and Little Bo-Peep. (News Item)
29 Mar 2020 Britain’s Oldest Man, Bob Weighton (From Alton in Hampshire / World’s Oldest
man) and Oldest Woman, Joan Hocquard (Lives in Poole) celebrated their
112th Birthdays in isolation. Both were born on the 29 March 1909.
They have both lived through 5 Monarchs (Kings and a Queen),
22 Prime Ministers and 21 USA Presidents.