In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Long Island University moved all classes to online instruction for the remainder of the semester. Following a stay-at-home order from Governor Andrew Cuomo directing all non-essential businesses to work remotely, administrative and academic offices began operating virtually and LIU fired or furloughed employees whose work was perceived as non-amenable to working remotely, including 84 of 98 unionized employees. Summer instruction was conducted on-line and LIU plans to offer in-person instruction beginning September 8, 2020, with on-line options for people unable to attend lectures.
Response to coronavirus pandemic
Long Island University
Long Island University | Response to coronavirus pandemic
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Long Island University moved all classes to online instruction for the remainder of the semester. Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Long Island University moved all classes to online instruction for the remainder of the semester. They moved all classes to online instruction, fired or furloughed employees whose work was perceived as non-amenable to working remotely, Summer instruction was conducted on-line and LIU plans to offer in-person instruction beginning September 8, 2020, with on-line options for people unable to attend lectures.
where is coney island in relation to manhattan
user
The southwestern section of the New York City borough of Brooklyn.
assistant
who were the earliest settlers in this region?
user
Dutch
assistant
is it a tourist place?
user
Yes, it is a vacation destination
assistant
what are some of the sights to see there?
user
The New York Aquarium, KeySpan Park, the Ford Amphitheater at Coney Island
assistant
where is the first place located on the island?
user
On the Riegelmann Boardwalk in Coney Island
assistant
what is the zip code of the island?
user
Coney Island's primary ZIP Code is 11224
assistant
what are the major ethnicities found there?
user
African American, White, Asian, Native American
assistant
is there a lot of crime here?
user
No, Coney Island's rate of violent crimes per capita is less than that of the city as a whole.
assistant
how many townships are there in the borough mentioned earlier?
user
Six townships
assistant
who is the current mayor of this place?
user
Sorry. I cannot find the answer based on the context.
assistant
what universities are found here?
user
Long Island University and the New York University Tandon School of Engineering
assistant
how has the first one dealt with the current pandemic?
user
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Long Island University moved all classes to online instruction for the remainder of the semester. Following a stay-at-home order from Governor Andrew Cuomo directing all non-essential businesses to work remotely, administrative and academic offices began operating virtually and LIU fired or furloughed employees whose work was perceived as non-amenable to working remotely, including 84 of 98 unionized employees. Summer instruction was conducted on-line and LIU plans to offer in-person instruction beginning September 8, 2020, with on-line options for people unable to attend lectures.
Long Island University | Response to coronavirus pandemic
Many colleges across the world were starting to reconsider and look into reviewing current student plans for Study abroad programs to and/or from China. This was due to the health safety for the students. Colby College isolated students who showed no signs of the virus, after they returned from China.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020 | 7 February
On March 16, Trump said for the first time that the coronavirus was "not under control", and the situation was "bad" with months of impending disruption to daily lives, and a recession possible. Also on March 16, Trump and the Coronavirus Task Force released new recommendations based on CDC guidelines for Americans, titled "15 Days to Slow the Spread". These recommendations included physical distancing and hygienic instructions, as well as directions to the states in dealing with school closures, nursing homes, and common public venues.
U.S. federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic | President Trump
On 17 March, the University of Canterbury became the first university in New Zealand to recall its exchange students from overseas, stating that "Given the rapidly escalating global situation and the increasing amount of travel restrictions worldwide, and intensive consultation with our partners, [we have] made the very difficult decision to suspend our exchange programmes and recall all UC outbound exchange students, effective immediately." On 20 March, Massey University stopped face-to-face teaching of courses that could be taught by distance. The University of Auckland suspended classes for the week of 23–27 March to allow staff to prepare for remote teaching in the event of a partial campus closure.
COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand | Universities and tertiary providers
In response to New Zealand's first reported case, the New Zealand Government temporarily banned travelers from Iran. The patient had reportedly returned from Iran to Auckland earlier in the week. While New Zealand citizens and permanent residents will be allowed to return, they must self-isolate for 14 days. In addition, the Health Minister David Clark confirmed that Chinese international students would not be allowed to re-enter the country and that there would be an increased health presence at airports. Cyprus decided to close four checkpoints on the divided island for a week starting 29 February — the first closure since the crossings between the two sides were eased in 2003 after decades of disputes.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020 | 28 February
It gives people who are asymptomatic a false sense of security that if they wear this mask, they don’t have to wash their hands, they don’t have to cover their mouths and their noses when they cough or they sneeze." In early April, New York City Councilmen Democrat Robert Holden and Republican Eric Ulrich wrote to Mayor de Blasio asking him to relieve Barbot of her position "before it’s too late," saying her guidance on coronavirus had been disastrous. Multiple public and private schools outside New York City closed as a result of the virus, including the Westchester County public school districts of Hastings-on-Hudson, Mount Vernon, and Yonkers.
U.S. state and local government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | New York
South Dakota and Michigan report their first cases. Mitigation measures are expanded in New York, Massachusetts and Washington with a transition to online classes for universities and colleges. The first semi-containment zone is announced in New York. Two new deaths are reported in Washington and one death each in California, New Jersey, and South Dakota. This brings the total number of U.S. deaths to 31 (24 WA, 3CA, 2FL, 1NJ, 1SD). The President and VP Pence met with top health insurance companies and secured a commitment to waive co-pays for coronavirus testing and treatment.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | March 10
In January 2020, the first cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were found in the United States. There have been subsequent mass temporary business closures and self-quarantine efforts across the country. Fears about the impending global spread of the disease were the primary cause of a stock market crash which began in late February 2020. The broader economy in the U.S. has also been greatly impacted. On February 25 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned the American public for the first time to prepare for a local outbreak. A national emergency was declared by President Trump on March 13.
History of the United States (2008–present) | COVID-19 pandemic
In addition to restricting foreign nationals, Trump imposed a quarantine for up to 14 days on American citizens returning from Hubei, the main coronavirus hotspot at the time. This was the first quarantine order the U.S. federal government had issued in over 50 years. Although at the time the WHO recommended against countries imposing travel restrictions, HHS secretary Alex Azar said the decision stemmed from the recommendations of HHS health officials. "The New York Times" analyzed that more than 380,000 people arrived in the U.S. from China in January, including around 4,000 from Wuhan. After the restrictions began, almost 40,000 people arrived in the U.S.
U.S. federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic | Travel and entry restrictions
In response of the outbreak, multiple universities opted to cancel classes and instead would teach students online. On 16 March, at least 17 universities across Indonesia confirmed that conventional face-to-face lectures would be cancelled and would be replaced by online classes. Graduations and gatherings were cancelled and students and lecturers who had gone abroad from countries with confirmed coronavirus cases with any reasons should self-isolate at home. As of 14 March, numerous universities have closed their classes, such as Universitas Indonesia (UI), Universitas Gajah Mada (UGM), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya, , Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN), Sekolah Tinggi Akuntansi Negara (STAN), , Binus University, Universitas Atmajaya, (LSPR), Universitas Yarsi, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), Telkom University, Universitas Atma Jaya Yogyakarta (UAJY), Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS), Universitas Tarumanegara (UNTAR), Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), and (UAI).
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia | Universities
University of Brawijaya (UB), a university in Malang, creates a disinfection chamber as an effort to contain the coronavirus.
COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia | Universities
Further testing revealed she was infected with the novel coronavirus. On 19 March, the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau announced the re-postponement of its plans to resume primary and secondary education as a response to the second wave of COVID-19 cases beginning with the 11th case. This is after the bureau's class resumption plans starting on 30 March, announced on 11 March.
COVID-19 pandemic in Macau | Second wave
Trinity College Dublin cancelled lectures in March and moved to online delivery. On 6 April, Galway's University held the first non-physical online graduation ceremonies in its history, after bringing forward the examinations of 190 medical students to send them into service in hospitals with immediate effect. Michael Ryan, the Irish-born Executive Director of the World Health Organization's Health Emergencies Programme, addressed those graduating from what was also the university where he studied. The university also held another similar online ceremony two days later. University College Cork held its first non-physical online graduation ceremony on 17 April (a date also brought forward for the same reason), with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar addressing them through a video link and asking anyone from overseas to stay in Ireland, because "everyone graduating this year" would be guaranteed an internship as a result of the virus.
Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland | Universities
In late-January, 2020, two students living in Connecticut were monitored for displaying coronavirus-like symptoms. The first student attended Wesleyan University in Middletown and was confirmed to not have the virus, and instead had a case of the flu on January 27. The second student monitored for the virus was attending the 2020 Yale Model United Nations Conference at Yale University in New Haven, and was also diagnosed with the flu, not coronavirus, on January 31. On January 28, a student from Uncasville who had traveled to China was suspected to carry the virus was confirmed not to, and was cleared to return to school on January 29.
COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut | January–February
The Australian Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) began the first stage of potential vaccines for COVID-19 on ferrets at a biosecurity facility near Melbourne. The Chinese city of Shenzhen banned the breeding, trade and consumption of wildlife including snakes, lizards, as well as cats and dogs. The Chinese Government also sent a mercy flight to evacuate Chinese students in London. Chinese Government announced it had distributed 11 million masks and 500,000 disinfecting products to Chinese students abroad in affected countries. In Guam, the United States Navy announced that it would evacuate 3,000 personnel aboard the aircraft carrier , which had reported cases of the coronavirus.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 | 2 April
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the HEC was converted into "Hope Hospital" with 327 low-acuity beds in case of a medical surge. However, the space was never needed for surge capacity, so in July 2020, the temporary hospital was de-constructed so fall classes could resume in the building. On September 29, 2020, the Samson Pavilion hosted the first of the 2020 Presidential Debates between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, moderated by Chris Wallace. The first presidential debate was originally going to be hosted at the University of Notre Dame, which later withdrew over safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health Education Campus | Non-education uses
The White House asked scientists in the US to investigate the origins of the virus. One of the reasons for this was because of the large amount of misinformation that is available about the virus online.The Washington Post also reported that some U.S. senators have been frustrated with the lack of information provided by the federal government to the states they represent. Vice President Mike Pence in an interview with CNBC said "China has shown 'unprecedented' transparency on coronavirus" and "the threat (of the virus) here in US remains fairly low". The WHO announced that the sudden demand for face masks had created "a shortfall for those in real need".
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020 | 7 February
The first person known to have fallen ill due to the new virus was in Wuhan on 1 December 2019. A public notice on the outbreak was released by Wuhan health authority on 31 December; the initial notice informed Wuhan residents that there was no clear evidence of human-to-human transmission of the virus, that the disease is preventable and controllable, and that people can wear masks when going out. WHO was informed of the outbreak on the same day. On 7 January 2020, the Chinese Communist Party Politburo Standing Committee discussed novel coronavirus prevention and control. The Wuhan government, which announced a number of new measures such as cancelling the Chinese New Year celebrations, in addition to measures such as checking the temperature of passengers at transport terminals first introduced on 14 January.
National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | China
The WHO confirmed that the novel coronavirus had been isolated from one person who had been hospitalised. On the same day, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control posted its first risk assessment. The WHO also reported that Chinese authorities had acted swiftly, identifying the novel coronavirus within weeks of the onset of the outbreak, with the total number of positively tested people being 41. The first death from the virus occurred in a 61-year-old man who was a regular customer at the market. He had several significant medical conditions, including chronic liver disease, and died from heart failure and pneumonia.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020 | 9 January
Hong Kong will allow some students from mainland China to return to resume schooling from June 15 in a selective easing of coronavirus border restrictions. Students will be subjected to temperature screening and submission of health declaration forms in Hong Kong and Shenzhen as they commute to school. In Indonesia, governor of Jakarta Anies Baswedan has stated that he is confident that coronavirus is under control and that the Indonesian capital can cope with a relaxation of lockdown restrictions that began on June 7.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 | 9 June
In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo announces the state's first reported case of COVID-19: a woman in her late 30s, who apparently contracted the virus while traveling in Iran and is self-isolating at home, in New York City. Oregon confirmed its second case, a household contact of its first case. The Rhode Island Department of Health announces a presumptive case in a person in their 40s who had traveled to Italy in mid-February, and a second case, a teenager who had traveled with the first person. On March 2, coronavirus cases in the U.S. reach 100, including 48 from repatriated citizens from Wuhan or the "Diamond Princess".
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | March 1–2
United Nations economists at the UN Conference on Trade and Development, World Bank and IMF announced a likely $50 billion drop in worldwide manufacturing exports in February, together with an IMF pledge of support for vulnerable countries. The UN's top economist, Pamela Coke-Hamilton of UNCTAD, warned against panic. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the creation of a new cabinet committee to manage "the federal response to the coronavirus disease." The Malaysian state of Sarawak bans entry by travelers who had visited Italy, Iran, South Korea, and China in the last 14 days.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 | 4 March
February 25 was the first day that the CDC first warned American public to prepare for a local outbreak. That day, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, head of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said that "We are asking the American public to work with us to prepare for the expectation that this is going to be bad." Messonnier predicted that "we will see community spread in this country", and it was only a matter of time. As a result, "disruption to everyday life might be severe". Messonnier stated that the CDC is preparing, and "now is the time for hospitals, schools and everyday people to begin preparing as well." Starting the day after her comments, Messonnier was excluded from public briefings of the White House coronavirus task force, and Trump threatened to fire her.
Trump administration communication during the COVID-19 pandemic | February 25 to March 15
College athletics competitions were similarly cancelled by schools, conferences and the NCAA—which cancelled all remaining championships for the academic year on March 12. This also resulted in the first-ever cancellation of the NCAA's popular "March Madness" men's basketball tournament (which had been scheduled to begin the following week) in its 81-year history. NFL is considering playing with helmets with installed filters.
Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | Sports
On 10 January 2020, the Ministry of Health set up the Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board. It consists of 26 members specialized in fields such as chest diseases, infectious diseases and clinical microbiology. The number of board members later increased to 31 with the joining of experts and academics in virology, internal medicine and intensive care medicine. In the early hours of 11 March 2020 (), the Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca announced that a Turkish man who had contracted the virus while travelling in Europe was the country's first confirmed coronavirus case. The patient had been placed in isolation at an undisclosed hospital, and family members of the patient were put under observation.
National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | Turkey
One of the first challenges faced by the minister was the outbreak of coronavirus in late 2019. In late January 2020, the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, started the process to repatriate around twenty Spaniards from China. On January 29 it was announced that they would be held into quarantine for 14 days in a military hospital of Madrid. In a joint operation with the government of the United Kingdom, they arrived to Spain on January 31 and they were discharged on February 13. The first case of coronavirus in Spain was recorded on January 31, 2020 in the island of La Gomera, in the Canary Islands.
Salvador Illa | Coronavirus pandemic
On 21 January 2020, the Ministry of Education (MoE) requested the education system to do a good job in the prevention and control of pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus infection. After that, private education providers including New Oriental, NewChannel and TAL Education, education departments in Hubei, Zhejiang, Shenzhen, and Shanghai University cancelled all ongoing courses and postponed the new semester. On 27 January, MoE advised all higher education institutions to postpone the new spring semester with all local education departments to determine the starting time of the new semester for K-12 education and local colleges according to the decision of the local governments.
COVID-19 pandemic in mainland China | Education
In January 2020, Joseph Norman, Yaneer Bar Yam, and Nassim Taleb submitted a paper to the White House administration, urging them to take drastic steps to curtail the disease. NECSI later assembled EndCoronaVirus.org, which included over 4,000 volunteers by March 21, 2020. The network of volunteers built endCoronavirus.org with the goal to minimize the impact of COVID-19 by providing useful data and guidelines for action.
New England Complex Systems Institute | COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic
Due to the ongoing pandemic, many establishments implement "Social Distancing" and "No Face, Mask No Entry". The locally stranded undergo testing and quarantine for 14 days. Many Schools both Private and Public have been closed and they plan to go in new normal education called "Online Classes". Tourist attraction like Mangi Festival and Magoli River has been closed since March 15 to this day. No further notice include. Churches are now using Live Broadcast through Facebook Live due to ongoing pandemic.
Tumauini | Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
South Korean president Moon Jae-in declared war on the epidemic, with more hospital beds and face masks to be made available. More than 30 trillion won will be injected into the economy for support, and government agencies will operate round the clock. South Korean CDC officials approve the first test completed by a Korean life science company and approve another test the following day. Indonesia plans to build a hospital in Galang Island to treat people with the coronavirus .
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 | 3 March
In addition, the NCAA cancels all postseason tournaments in their winter and spring sports, which includes the men's and women's basketball tournaments, as well as the baseball and softball tournaments. The cancellation of the basketball tournament marks the first time the tournament will not be held due to unforeseen circumstances. On March 12, HHS placed its first order of N95 respirators for healthcare workers of $4.8million. However, the supplier contract required delivery to begin around the end of April. Former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius stated: "We basically wasted two months."
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | March 12
In 2020, the novel coronavirus pandemic spread in the United States. Epic Systems faced considerable criticism for their decision to require 10,000 employees to work on-campus instead of from home. Employees expressed concern about returning to the office, with the first group being required to return as early as August 10th while the pandemic continued to spread. The decision came despite a Dane County public health order requiring remote work "to the greatest extent possible." Criticism revolved in particular around the fact that employees were being ordered back to preserve the company "culture," despite CEO Judy Faulkner's admission that work was getting done remotely.
Epic Systems | COVID-19 Response
On 19 February 2020, the lab released a letter on its website describing how they successfully obtained the whole virus genome: "On the evening of December 30, 2019, after receiving the unexplained pneumonia samples sent by Wuhan Jinyintan Hospital, our institute organized the strength overnight and worked for 72 hours to solve the problem. On January 2, 2020, the whole genome sequence of the new coronavirus was determined". In February 2020, the Institute applied for a patent in China for the use of remdesivir, an experimental drug owned by Gilead Sciences, which the Institute found inhibited the virus in vitro; in a move that raised concerns regarding intellectual property rights.
Wuhan Institute of Virology | COVID-19 pandemic
Horton's initial response to the outbreak of Coronavirus was cautious, telling his Twitter followers on 23 January 2020 that COVID-19 probably "has moderate transmissibility and relatively low pathogenicity." But, as evidence came in from China, on 29 January, he said: "It must now surely be time to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern." And, on 31 January, he tweeted about "draconian measures that limit population mobility." By 7 March, Horton's was calling on the UK Government to "act more decisively. They must abandon their fears of the negative short-term public and economic consequences that may follow from restricting public freedoms." And, on 10 March, he called for the "urgent implementation of social distancing and closure policies." On 18 March, Horton strongly criticised the Government's initial plans "to allow a controlled epidemic", saying: "Any numerate school student could make the calculation.
Richard Horton (editor) | Coronavirus pandemic
France has been cited as a case study for countries now considering a U-turn over past 2 decades globalisation of health supplies to gain lower immediate costs. The same approach was taken in the United States. The U.S. Strategic National Stockpile's stock of masks used against the 2009 flu pandemic was not replenished, neither by the Obama administration nor by the Trump administration. American masks manufacturer Mike Bowen of Prestige Ameritech had been warning for years that the USA mask supply chain was too dependent on China. As Juan Branco for France, Former US President Obama denounced short-term individualistic mindset as negatively affecting public decision making and preparedness.
Shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic | Long term and structural
On February 28, a high school student at Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek, Washington was confirmed as having the virus causing the school to be closed immediately; Mariner High School in Everett was also closed because a student's parent had the virus. The following day, researchers confirmed the coronavirus strain in the student's case may be related to the coronavirus strain in the first confirmed U.S. case from January 19, suggesting that the virus may have been spreading in the area for up to six weeks. Also on February 28, a woman in her 50s who had recently returned from South Korea and who was an employee of the United States Postal Service at its Network Distribution Center facility in Federal Way, King County, tested positive.
COVID-19 pandemic in Washington (state) | February: first deaths
The WHO Director-General announced that containment of the virus must still be the international top priority. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control announced that it has increased the risk level from moderate to high for people in the European Union. In the United States, several schools were closed in the state of Washington due to the rise of coronavirus cases.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 | 2 March
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlighted the unprecedented shuttering of schools globally and restricted access to the UN headquarters in New York. Mongolia put multiple cities, including its capital Ulaanbaatar, under quarantine until 16 March after the country's first case was confirmed. The Malaysian state of Sabah banned travellers from Iran and Italy from entering. The ban applies to all foreign travellers who have travelled to Iran and Italy within the last 14 days including Malaysians who are non-residents of Sabah.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 | 10 March
On 13 March 2020, Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus on the island. As a result, the country restricted entry of all individuals coming from Europe via air and seaports – starting on 15 March and in effect until 31 March – with the exception of those who are Aruban citizens. They also suspended public and private school classes for the week of March 16, as well as all large-scale public gatherings. On 29 May, all cases recovered. On 29 June, two more cases had been discovered.
COVID-19 pandemic in North America | Aruba
Starting on March 12, 2020, the university moved to an online learning model due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the late summer of 2020, the university planned for reopening on-site classes for the 2020–2021 academic year. This reopening plan includes using a hybrid model of online and in-person teaching with the density of classrooms and facilities reduced to one-third capacity to maintain healthy distancing. The school is providing free universal testing and mandating all students be tested every 3 days throughout the semester. On September 4, 2020, less than a week before the start of the university's academic semester, the university dismissed 11 first-year students for the fall semester for violating public health and university protocols against meeting in large groups for parties and other gatherings.
Northeastern University | Response to COVID-19 pandemic
The first government-run coronavirus testing center opened on March 20 at Bergen Community College in Bergen County. Hundreds of cars were lined up for about three miles waiting to get into the drive-thru center. It opened at 8a.m., and by noon, people were turned away as the center was at capacity. Health workers at the site tested more than 650 people. On March 21, the testing site at Bergen Community College reached its daily capacity of 350 tests within two hours. New drive-through testing centers opened at Hudson Regional Hospital, Kean University, and PNC Bank Arts Center. By April 4, the state reported an average of 5,000 tests a day, and was only testing symptomatic people.
COVID-19 pandemic in New Jersey | Testing
The first responses by the UK government to the developing COVID-19 pandemic took the form of guidance rather than legislation. Statements by the prime minister and other ministers included advice to schools to cancel trips abroad (12 March); to the public to avoid non-essential travel, crowded places such as pubs and theatres, mass gatherings, and visits to care homes (16 March); and escalated to the closure of schools, colleges and nurseries (announced 18 March, effective 21 March).
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 | Context
Confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States surpass 1,100. Arkansas, Delaware, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Dakota and Wyoming reported their first cases. More universities and colleges suspend classes or move to remote-access teaching. Washington Governor Jay Inslee orders a halt to all gatherings of greater than 250 in three counties, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine orders all public gatherings of more than 1,000 people to be banned statewide. Five new deaths are reported in Washington and one death in California. This brings the total U.S. deaths to 37 (29 WA, 4CA, 2FL, 1NJ, 1SD). President Trump said in an Oval Office address: "The vast majority of Americans, the risk is very, very low." During the March 11 national address the President directed the SBA to use its existing authorities to provide capital and liquidity to businesses impacted by COVID-19, effective immediately, and called on Congress to increase this fund by $50 billion (later to be expanded to 250 billion).
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | March 11
On March 3, when the state has no confirmed cases, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine cancels the Arnold Classic due to coronavirus concerns, a move which the "Washington Post" said seemed radical at the time. On March3, Arizona's Department of Health Services reports a new confirmed case in Maricopa County, a man in his 20s who had made contact with a case outside of Arizona. The man was isolated in his home. In New Hampshire, public health officials confirm a second case of coronavirus in an individual who made contact with the first case after the first case defied quarantine orders and attended a private event organized by Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business in White River Junction, Vermont.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | March 3
Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has been criticized for a perceived delayed response. Critics have observed that while Japan announced the first case of infection on 28 January, it took until 17 February for the Health Ministry to inform the public on how to reach public screening centers and 25 February, for the government to issue a "basic policy" on outbreak response. The strict constraints on testing for the virus by Japanese health authorities have drawn accusations from critics such as Masahiro Kami, a hematologist and director of the Medical Governance Research Institute but not an infectious disease expert, towards Abe of wanting to "downplay the number of infections or patients because of the upcoming Olympics." But the fact-checking in some media later reported to proved that it was fake news that 'the number of infected people was being reduced for the Olympics by the government.' Reports that only a small select number of public health facilities were authorized to test for the virus, after which the results could only be processed by five government-approved companies, has created a bottleneck where clinics have been forced to turn away even patients who had high fevers.
National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | Criticism against Japanese government's responses
On 31 January, two members of a family of Chinese nationals staying in a hotel in York, one of whom studied at the University of York, became the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the UK. Upon confirmation, they were transferred from Hull University Teaching Hospital to a specialist isolation facility, a designated High Consequence Infectious Diseases Unit in Newcastle upon Tyne's Royal Victoria Infirmary. On the same day, an evacuation flight from Wuhan landed at RAF Brize Norton and the passengers, none of whom were showing symptoms, were taken to quarantine, in a staff residential block at Arrowe Park Hospital on the Wirral.
COVID-19 pandemic in England | January 2020
On 26 March, President of the Council of Higher Education Yekta Saraç stated that there would be no in-person teaching at universities in the remainder of the spring semester, and that they would continue with remote education only.
National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | Turkey
On March 10, 2020 Pueyo published the first in a series of articles about the outbreak of coronavirus worldwide. The article, "Coronavirus: Why You Must Act Now", in which he presented a model for the future of the pandemic, arguing the virus was spreading exponentially and was a more immediate threat than most realized, was read over 40 million times in the first month. His subsequent viral article, "The Hammer and the Dance", read over 20 million times, described a comprehensive strategy for how societies needed to respond to the onset of COVID-19 with the "hammer" referring to widespread lockdowns and other strict initial social distancing measures needed to contain the spread of the virus, and the "dance" describing the more nuanced, long-term effort to control localized outbreaks around the world until a vaccine is widely distributed.
Tomás Pueyo | Career
Coventry University first suspended all graduation ceremonies due to be held in March and April, and from 20 March, suspended all face-to-face teaching, in favour of on-line delivery. Many other higher education institutions took similar steps at around the same time.
Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom | Education
Flights from China and Hong Kong were cancelled in early February, leading to a drawdown in tourists to the island of Saipan and subsequently an economic crisis which triggered an austerity. By March 12, a task force was in place to manage the austerity measures put into place. As a precautionary measure on March 17, Governor Ralph Torres shut schools and government offices. The continuation of daily United Airlines' nonstop flights from Guam 120 miles away led to all arriving individuals suspected of coronavirus symptoms to be placed in quarantine at the Kanoa Resort. The first death from coronavirus in the CNMI occurred on March 30 at Kanoa Resort.
U.S. state and local government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | Northern Mariana Islands
New York officials announce the state's second confirmed case: a man in his 50s in New Rochelle, Westchester County who had not recently traveled to any foreign countries affected by the outbreak. In North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper announces the state's first confirmed case: a person who had traveled to Washington and was "exposed at a long term care facility". They are in stable condition and in isolation at their home.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | March 3
Students failing to meet these would be face "immigration consequences including, but not limited to, the initiation of removal proceedings", and students who had indicated they would be taking only online classes would be denied visas. The new change was criticized by students, schools, and states alike, as with the pandemic worsening in most of the United States at the time, many schools did not have plans to commit to opening to physical classes in the fall semester, leaving these international students at risk of deportation. At least three separate lawsuits were filed against ICE on the changed within the week on the basis that the decision was arbitrary and capricious and failed the Administrative Procedure Act: A joint suit by Harvard University and MIT, the state of California, and a separate collation of 17 states and the District of Columbia.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program | COVID-19 pandemic change
Very few tests were successfully completed within a five-week window. Once testing showed the disease was spreading among those without travel-related risk factors, public officials in California began to issue "stay at home" orders; it would be at least a week before similar orders were issued in other parts of the country. At a White House press briefing on April 1, Dr. Anthony S. Fauci said that, even though he expected social distancing rules can eventually be relaxed even before the availability of a vaccine, a vaccine will still be necessary to end the pandemic. As part of the early efforts to contain and mitigate the pandemic within the United States, Surgeon General Jerome Adams announced in early March that local leaders would soon have to consider whether to cancel large gatherings, consider telework policies, and close schools.
U.S. federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic | Containment efforts within the U.S
On April 1, Newsom announced the closure of all public and private schools for the remainder of the 2019–2020 academic year, including all institutions of higher education, and directing all schools to "put all efforts into strengthening our delivery of education through distance learning." The University of California system announced that they would temporarily suspend the use of standardized testing for Fall 2021 admissions, and suspend the letter grade requirement for A-G courses completed in winter, spring, and summer 2020. On April 7, Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti announced that in accordance with recent CDC recommendations, it would institute a "Worker Protection Order" beginning April 10, requiring all employees and customers of stores and essential businesses to wear a face mask.
COVID-19 pandemic in California | April
In China, authorities in the northeastern border town of Suifenhe announced the loosening of restrictions brought in to combat a surge of cases from neighbouring Russia. 120 schools in Wuhan reopened for nearly 60,000 senior high school students. The Hong Kong Department of Health issued quarantine orders to more than 170,000 international travellers. The Hong Kong Government has warned that is pursuing a "zero tolerance" policy against quarantine violators, who face an investigation and prison terms. The Philippines Department of Health announced that it will be testing Avigan on 100 coronavirus patients.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020 | 6 May
The USCDC announced that the genome had been posted on the NIH genetic sequence database, GenBank. On the same day, Thailand witnessed the first confirmed case of 2019-nCoV, the first outside China. The affected 61-year-old Chinese woman, who is a resident of Wuhan, had not visited the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, but was noted to have been to other markets. She had arrived in Bangkok on 8 January. In response, the WHO urged China to continue searching for the source of the new virus.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in January 2020 | 13 January
The WHO confirmed over 1,000 deaths from the virus as its 'Research and Innovation Forum on novel coronavirus 2019', attended by over 300 scientists and officials, met in Geneva; the possibility of a vaccine being available in 18 months was mooted. The Global Grain Conference that was going to take place in Singapore, has been postponed to sometime in June and/or July, due to the virus. Authorities in Hong Kong evacuate a Tsing Yi Estate apartment building, after two residents who lived separately got diagnosed with the virus.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020 | 11 February
On 11 March 2020 (), Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced that a Turkish man who had contracted the virus while travelling in Europe was the country's first coronavirus case. On 12 March 2020, the Turkish government announced that primary schools, middle schools, high schools, and universities in Turkey would be closed starting from 16 March 2020.
COVID-19 pandemic in Asia | Turkey
The first published government statement on the coronavirus situation in Wuhan was released on 22 January 2020 by the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England. Guidance has progressed in line with the number of cases detected and changes in where affected people have contracted the virus, as well as with what has been happening in other countries. In February, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to the British Government, Chris Whitty said "we basically have a strategy which depends upon four tactical aims: the first one is to contain; the second of these is to delay; the third of these is to do the science and the research; and the fourth is to mitigate so we can brace the NHS".
British government response to the COVID-19 pandemic | Overview
Stock markets worldwide suffered their greatest single-day fall since the 1987 crash in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the previous day's announcement of the 30-day travel ban between the U.S. and Europe. Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau began a self-quarantine for 14 days after his wife Sophie Trudeau tested positive for the virus. Israel and Sri Lanka closed schools early from 13 March, with term holidays lasting until 20 April to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Schools were also asked to refrain from planning excursions during this period.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 | 12 March
On March 26, the Secretary-General emphasized at the G20 virtual summit that a sustainable global economy must arise once the COVID-19 pandemic is reversed, as the G20 committed to inject over $5 trillion into the global economy to counteract the effects of the pandemic. On March 29, the UN in New York donated 250,000 face masks to New York City health workers, with the Secretary-General making the handover. On March 31, he launched a comprehensive socioeconomic plan, "Shared Responsibility, Global Solidarity: Responding to the Socio-economic Impacts of COVID-19", to "defeat the virus and build a better world".
United Nations response to the COVID-19 pandemic | March
United States national response began in early January, originating with actions by the CDC and the White House. The first US case of COVID-19 was recorded on 19 January 2020. In the United States the response was determined by state and local officials in coordination with the CDC and federal officials. On 9 February, Governors were briefed by the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Beginning in mid-March various social distancing measures to limit spread of the virus were undertaken by state governors and in some cases counties or cities. Actions taken included Stay-at-home orders ("quarantine"), school and business closures, and limitation on the size of gatherings.
Protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | United States
Following cases in Italy, the Cransley School in Northwich, Cheshire, and Trinity Catholic College in Middlesbrough closed, as some of their pupils had returned with symptoms from Italy. Fourteen schools in England had closed by 28 February. Loughborough University reported a student confirmed to have the virus after recent travel to Italy, and indicated that several staff members and students began self-isolation. Cambridge University closed all buildings from 20 March, which was criticised by the local UCU as students from countries with weaker healthcare provisions would be forced to return home. More than a thousand Cambridge students signed an open letter requesting alternatives to cancelled examinations in Cambridge, including the option to retake the year in 2020–21.
Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom | Education
By March 12, twelve cases of coronavirus had been confirmed in Maryland — two remained hospitalized and three had recovered. Importantly, Maryland confirmed the state's first known case of community transmission in a Prince George's County resident with no known exposure to coronavirus through travel or an infected individual. The first case of community transmission indicates that "we are entering a new phase of working to mitigate and limit the spread of this pandemic," reported Governor Hogan. On March 12, Karen Salmon, Maryland's Superintendent of Schools, announced that all public schools would be closed for two weeks beginning March 16.
COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland | March 12
Similar exemptions for Chinese university students are being considered.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in February 2020 | 22 February
On February 6, the Connecticut Department of Public Health released a document with information intended for schools to prevent the spread of the virus. The document advocated for those who had been to China recently to self-monitor for 14 days, and that those exhibiting no symptoms after the 14-day period were able to return to their normal lives. In late February, greater precautions were undertaken by different organizations to be prepared for the eventual spread of the virus into Connecticut. On February 25, the University of New Haven suggested that all students in Italy should return to the United States.
COVID-19 pandemic in Connecticut | January–February
In March 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic which saw a dramatic decline in international air travel of around 60% globally, Branson and Virgin attracted criticism by asking staff to take eight weeks' unpaid leave. In response to the global pandemic, Branson put his luxury Necker Island up as collateral for a commercial loan to save Virgin Atlantic. Branson said: "Over the five decades I have been in business, this is the most challenging time we have ever faced... From a business perspective, the damage to many is unprecedented and the length of the disruption remains worryingly unknown."
Richard Branson | 2020–present: Coronavirus pandemic difficulties
On June 8, the city commenced the first phase of its reopening plan after meeting seven conditions of the stay-at-home order, which had been put in place three months earlier. Safety protocols were put in place to limit occupancy of confined spaces like elevators to one person at a time, and occupancy ceilings were reduced to under 50% of their usual capacity. On June 24, New York state, along with New Jersey and Connecticut, began requiring travelers to self-quarantine for 14 days if traveling from an area with high infection rates.
COVID-19 pandemic in New York City | June
Health authorities in the Australian state of Victoria announced that the state of emergency would be extended to July 19 due to a rise in coronavirus infections. Chinese health officials announced that frozen meat imports from American company Tyson Foods would be suspended indefinitely after positive cases of COVID-19 were reported at the company's factory in the US. A PepsiCo factory in Beijing was also ordered to close after employees tested positive. This comes as authorities in Beijing revealed that the city now had the capacity to test 1 million people a day for coronavirus. Researchers at the Peking Union Medical College announced that they have started the second phase of human trials for a potential coronavirus vaccine.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020 | 21 June
On June 16, the "Wall Street Journal" published an interview with Fauci, where he commented that the United States is "still in a first wave" of infections for the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci also stated that the increasing percentages of positive tests in many states "cannot be explained by increased testing". Also that day, Vice President Pence, in an opinion piece for the "Wall Street Journal", criticized the media for warning against a "second wave" of infections, stating that "such panic is overblown". Pence declared that "we are winning the fight against the invisible enemy". On June 17, Trump declared that the outbreak was "dying out" and that COVID-19 is "fading away".
Trump administration communication during the COVID-19 pandemic | June 16–30
On July 10, malls were allowed to open at 25 percent capacity for regions in Phase 4 with masks required at all times. On July 11, a German Shepherd and the first dog diagnosed with COVID-19, died in Staten Island. On July 13, Cuomo announced criteria for reopening schools. Whether a school will be allowed to reopen will be based on average 14-day infection rate, and phase for its region. A region must be in Phase 4, and have an infection rate of 5 percent or lower over a 14-day average. If infection rate at any time increases to beyond 9%, schools in that region must close even if they had previously opened.
COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) | July
Cuccinelli was appointed as a member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force on January 29, 2020. In July 2020, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security announced that international students in the United States would be deported unless they took in-person classes at universities in the United States. At the time, many universities were considering online-only models or hybrid in-person/online classes in order to safeguard the health of students and staff, as well as to halt the spread of the coronavirus. Cuccinnelli defended the policy, saying "there isn't a reason" for international students to remain in the United States unless classes are in-person.
Ken Cuccinelli | Tenure
On January 26, 2020, one week after the first case of COVID-19 disease in the United States was reported, Bar-Yam co-authored a note with Nassim Nicholas Taleb and Joseph Norman. The note outlined several principles in connection with the novel coronavirus outbreak, and argued that policy responses should follow a precautionary approach, including drastically constraining human mobility patterns as soon and as swiftly as possible. On February 29, 2020, Bar-Yam and NECSI established EndCoronavirus.org, a global volunteer network, to provide information and guidelines for action to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. EndCoronavirus.org was among the first organizations in the United States to offer specific guidelines for policymakers, businesses, and individuals.
Yaneer Bar-Yam | COVID-19
Australian airliner Virgin Australia enters into voluntary administration after failing to obtain a loan from the Australian Government. The company is now seeking new buyers and investors to prevent collapse. Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam has announced that Hong Kong will extend its coronavirus virus restrictions, banning public gatherings, closing most businesses, and banning entry by foreigners by another 14 days. The Philippine Government has announced that it will step up coronavirus testing with the assistance of the Red Cross, aiming to test 1,000 samples daily.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 | 21 April
March 1 saw the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in New York State, a 39-year-old woman health care worker who lived in Manhattan, who had returned from Iran on February 25 with no symptoms at the time. She went into home isolation with her husband. On March 3, a second case was confirmed, a lawyer in his 50s who lived in New Rochelle, Westchester County, immediately north of New York City, and worked in Midtown Manhattan at a law firm within One Grand Central Place. He had traveled to Miami in February, but had not visited areas known to have widespread transmission of the coronavirus.
COVID-19 pandemic in New York (state) | Timeline
Governor of Okinawa Prefecture Denny Tamaki urged American military officials to take tougher preventative measures and have greater transparency after 61 military personnel tested positive for COVID-19 at two different Marine Corps bases, Air Station Futenma and Camp Hansen, in a matter of days. US military officials responded by placing the bases into quarantine. The Taipei Film Festival in Taiwan went ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic, making it the first in-person film-festival to be held worldwide in 2020.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020 | 12 July
The First Liberty Institute, a non-profit legal firm based in the United States, has issued guidance for religious institutions related to the suspension of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. California reported over 100,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) and more than 4,000 deaths. To protect public health, the state ordered that nonessential retail and worship services halt for more than two months. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, issued an order limiting congregations to the lower of 100 attendees or 25% of capacity. South Bay United Pentecostal Church sued to remove the limits, stating that its services typically attract 200 to 300 congregants.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion | United States of America
Simultaneously, efforts to trace 2,000 people who had flown into the UK from Wuhan over the previous 14 days were made. 31 January: The first UK cases were confirmed in York. On the same day, British nationals were evacuated from Wuhan to quarantine at Arrowe Park Hospital. However, due to confusion over eligibility, some people missed the flight.
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom | January 2020: First confirmed cases
In late January, Maryland hospitals began travel screening for coronavirus when taking in new patients entering the emergency room. State health officials announced on January 30 that the first person tested in Maryland for the novel coronavirus did not have the virus. Fran Phillips, deputy state health secretary for public health services, stated that the risk for Maryland residents of contracting the virus remained low. Maryland medical facilities, educational institutions, and businesses disseminated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Towson University stated that a professor would not return to classes while a family member was tested.
COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland | Preparations
On March5, the CDC relaxed its restrictions, allowing doctors to decide whom to test; a week later, nearly 14,000 tests had been performed. Federal funding was used to run 41 "community-based testing sites" (CBTS), but the federal government said it would stop this funding on 10 April; as a result of that decision, some of these testing sites were expected to close, shifting demand to hospitals. Those that remain open will likely be funded by states. On 31 January 2020, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation limiting entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the People's Republic of China, excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.
National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic | United States
New York City usually has about 20,000 hospital beds and 5,000 ventilators, many of which are routinely in use to keep ICU patients alive. Social distancing measures were implemented to slow the spread of the virus and prevent the hospital system from collapsing. In the early days of the crisis, on March 14, the Health and Hospitals Corporation and New York-Presbyterian cancelled non-emergency surgeries. Northwell Health put out a call for retired nurses to return. The Tisch Hospital of NYU Langone converted a pediatric emergency ward into a respiratory ward. Personal protective equipment (PPE) was rationed due to shortages. By March 25 the situation at Elmhurst Hospital, one of the worst-affected hospitals in the city, had deteriorated to the point that staff described it as "apocalyptic." Dr.
COVID-19 pandemic in New York City | Hospitals
On 20 January, the United States confirmed its first case, of a 35-year-old man who had returned on 15 January to the state of Washington after visiting family in Wuhan, China. The man sought clinical assistance on 19 January. On 27 February, the CDC reported a case in California which may be the first instance of community transmission in the US. On 29 February, officials of Washington State confirmed the first reported death from coronavirus in the US.
COVID-19 pandemic in North America | United States
As of March 31, "Our World in Data" reported there were 3,170 deaths, 164,620 confirmed cases, and 1.07million tests completed in the U.S. The NYT reported on March 28 that despite significant improvement in testing capacity in the U.S., "hospitals and clinics across the country still must deny tests to those with milder symptoms, trying to save them for the most serious cases, and they often must wait a week for results." Mr. Trump asked the South Korean president for as many kits as possible from the 100,000 produced daily there. However, "having the ability to diagnose the disease three months after it was first disclosed by China does little to address why the United States was unable to do so sooner, when it might have helped reduce the toll of the pandemic." One expert indicated the delay of testing adversely impacted other aspects of the coronavirus response.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | Status at end of March
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the global number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus disease, COVID-19, had surpassed 100,000, calling it a 'sombre moment'. The International Ice Hockey Federation cancelled the Women's World Championship, scheduled from 31 March to 10 April in Canada, due to concerns about the coronavirus. In Singapore, the People's Association suspended activities and classes and activities attended by confirmed cases for 14 days, as well as all singing classes.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 | 7 March
However, related reports have been removed from mainland China's news websites. On March 15, Zhang Wenhong posted on the official WeChat account of the Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University. The post reads, "I originally believed that if China had properly controlled the situation, the world would also follow suit. East Asian countries such as Singapore, Japan, and South Korea did very well but Europe has now become the new epicenter of the epidemic, bringing us huge uncertainty. China will still face great import risks in the future. " He predicted, "With respect to the current global anti-epidemic measures, it is basically impossible for this epidemic to end this summer.
Zhang Wenhong | COVID-19 pandemic
The first published government statement on the coronavirus situation in Wuhan was released on 22 January by the Department of Health and Social Care and Public Health England. Guidance has progressed in line with the number of cases detected and changes in where affected people have contracted the virus, as well as with what has been happening in other countries. In February, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to the UK Government, Chris Whitty said "we basically have a strategy which depends upon four tactical aims: the first one is to contain; the second of these is to delay; the third of these is to do the science and the research; and the fourth is to mitigate so we can brace the NHS".
COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom | Government response
International divisions and lack of suitable collaboration limited preparedness. WHO's pandemic influenza preparedness project had a million two-year budget, out of WHO's 2020–2021 budget of billion. While WHO gives recommendations, there is no sustained mechanism to review countries' preparedness for epidemics and their rapid response abilities. According to international economist Roland Rajah, while there are guidelines, local action depends on local governance. Andy Xie, writing in the "South China Morning Post", argued that ruling elites, obsessed with economic metrics, failed to prepare their communities against well-known pandemic risks. Tax systems in the early twenty-first century, by favouring the largest corporations with anti-competitive practices and lower investment rates into innovation and productions, favoured corporate actors and corporate profits, increasing the risk of shortages and weakening the society ability to respond to a pandemic.
Shortages related to the COVID-19 pandemic | Long term and structural
"The New York Times" reported that the Chief Medical Officer of the Department of Homeland Security, Dr. Duane C. Caneva, continued hosting a series of coronavirus e-mail chains begun in January among a group of infectious disease experts from academia and government. The group referred to these chains as the "Red Dawn" e-mails, (a movie reference). On February 17, an e-mail from one participant indicated that the type of social gathering on the "Diamond Princess" cruise ship wasn't that different from a mall, school, or work environment. Another February 17 e-mail indicated that non-pharmaceutical interventions ("NPI") such as school and business closures would be difficult for local officials to direct without federal action to provide political cover.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | February 15–29
The Chinese Government urges the United States Government to fulfill its obligations to the World Health Organization after President Trump cut funding to the international organization. An Associated Press report alleges that the Chinese Government suppressed news of the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan for six days between 14 and 20 January 2020, causing the spread of the coronavirus disease. Japanese Government Yoshihide Suga encourages Japanese citizens to limit their interaction with others in order to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. While Japanese government policy is to limit interactions by 70 percent, compliance is not compulsory.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 | 15 April
The United States' response to the coronavirus pandemic was slow. China announced its first cases in late December 2019 but travelers were allowed to come in from that country until mid-January after the first case was reported in Everett, Washington, on January 20. The White House Coronavirus Task Force was established on January 29, 2020. American diplomatic personal were evacuated the same day. A public health emergency and travel from China was restricted on January 31. The lack of federal preparation for the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and its possible effects on both public health and the economy were a major concern.
2020s in United States political history | COVID-19 pandemic
Health authorities in Hong Kong announced a tightening of lockdown restrictions after several days of rising coronavirus cases, raising concerns of a possible second wave of infections. Under the new restrictions, face masks were made mandatory on public transport with fines of up to 5,000 Hong Kong dollars if caught without one; non-essential businesses including gyms and entertainment venues were forced to close and restaurants were told to close indoor dining areas. Social gatherings were also reduced to a maximum of four people. Health authorities in the Japanese capital of Tokyo revealed that they urgently needed to contact around 800 people who had attended productions at the Theatre Molière after several cases of coronavirus were reported in the cast and audience.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020 | 14 July
A number of schools and universities suspended classes due to COVID-19 concerns on March 16 and 17, with many switching to virtual learning platforms.
COVID-19 pandemic in the Dominican Republic | First measures
In Australia, New South Wales authorities have reopened three beaches including Bondi Beach as part of a relaxation of lockdown measures. The Director of the Wuhan Institute of Virology has rejected claims that the coronavirus originated in a Chinese laboratory, dismissing it as a conspiracy theory. Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam has announced that civil servants will be able to return to work from 4 May but that Hong Kong government has not made a decision over easing travel and social distancing measures due to expire next week.
Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020 | 28 April
The first report of a COVID-19 case in the U.S. came on January 20, in a man who returned on January 15 from visiting family in Wuhan, China, to his home in Snohomish County, Washington. He sought medical attention on January 19. The second report came on January 24, in a woman who returned to Chicago, Illinois, on January 13 from visiting Wuhan. The woman passed the virus to her husband, and he was confirmed to have the virus on January 30, in what was at that time the first reported case of local transmission in the United States. The same day, the WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, warning that "all countries should be prepared for containment." The next day, January 31, the U.S.
U.S. federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic | Background
In December 2019, cases of pneumonia associated with an unknown coronavirus were reported to health authorities in Wuhan. The Institute checked its coronavirus collection and found the new virus had 96% genetic similarity to RaTG13, a virus its researchers had discovered in horseshoe bats in southwest China. As the virus spread worldwide, the Institute continued its investigation. In February 2020, the "New York Times" reported that a team led by Shi Zhengli at the Institute were the first to identify, analyze and name the genetic sequence of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and upload it to public databases for scientists around the world to understand, and publishing papers in "Nature".
Wuhan Institute of Virology | COVID-19 pandemic
The first responses by the UK government to the developing COVID-19 pandemic in England took the form of guidance rather than legislation. Statements by the prime minister and other ministers included advice to schools to cancel trips abroad (12 March); to the public to avoid non-essential travel, crowded places such as pubs and theatres, mass gatherings, and visits to care homes (16 March); and escalated to the closure of schools, colleges and nurseries (announced 18 March, effective 21 March).
The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 | Context and earlier regulations
By the third week of February, the group had "effectively concluded that the United States had already lost the fight to contain the virus, and that it needed to switch to mitigation" such as NPI's. This was based on the "realization that many people in the country were likely infected and capable of spreading the disease, but not showing any symptoms". For instance, by the time of the European travel ban on March 11 (a containment strategy), the group considered such containment steps ineffective. Trump still had not directed NPI's as of March 11. As late as March 13, the CDC was still questioning the benefit of closing schools.
Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States | February 15–29
The government released specific guidance to prisons in the event of COVID-19 symptoms or cases, specifically the rule that states "any prisoner or detainee with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature should be placed in protective isolation for 7 days". On March 18, the first coronavirus case was reported in a UK prison. The prisoner, who had been serving time in HMP Manchester (commonly referred to as Strangeways), was moved to a hospital. While no other prisoners or staff tested positive for the virus, thirteen prisoners and four members of staff were put into isolation as a precaution.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on prisons | United Kingdom
The "Irish Journal of Medical Science" accepted a design for a low-cost facemask, not intended to replace PPE but as a "last resort". In mid-March, Irish technology company Cliffrun Health—alongside staff at the Mater Hospital—launched a first of its kind system in which data such as blood pressure and temperature would be sent from a COVID-19 patient who had sent home to staff at the hospital, thus freeing beds for the more critically ill. Medical device company, the Inspire Team (based at the university in Galway), designed a system to enable for the first time the safe treatment of two patients with one ventilator; the system was made available for export internationally.
Social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland | Supplies
Students at the University of Chicago went on a tuition strike similar strikes are seen at Pomona College, The New School and others. Students at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie have gone on a strike from classes, after the University refused to implement a Universal Pass system for the classes during the pandemic. PhD students at Columbia University began a strike, stating that their rent should be canceled, research stipends increased, and an extra year added to their programs to make up for lost time due to the pandemic. Students at the Universidad de Chile and Universidad San Sebastián in Chile, went on an online strike in support for the many students who do not own a computer or constant access to the Internet for online learning.
Strikes during the COVID-19 pandemic | University strikes