THIS PAGE TRACKED THE GROWTH AND SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS FROM JANUARY TO MAY 2020. THIS PAGE IS BEING ARCHIVED AT THIS TIME.DAILY UPDATES CAN STILL BE FOUND HERE.
WE ARE KEEP THIS PAGE UP FOR AN ARCHIVE/HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE.
This Coronavirus (COVID-19) timeline will track the spread of the virus and major news developments while the threat persists. Readers can track the daily developments from a historical perspective here.
Check back regularly for updates Coronavirus (COVID-19). Track the history of this crisis unfolding by starting at the bottom of the page. I will also post important links regarding the virus as they become available.
May 1
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 3,323,935 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 234,471
South Africa ends one of the world’s strictest lockdown.
Malaysia will allow businesses to reopen on Monday.
April 30
A cluster of coronavirus cases has been reported in Yemen.
Restrictions eased in Sri Lanka and the country saw a jump in new cases. As a result, Sri Lanka has reimposed a 24-hour lockdown.
Japan plans to extend its state of emergency for at least another month.
Britain will surpass Italy for the highest death count in Europe at some point today.
April 29
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 3,149,108 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 218,385
Japanese Prime Minister Abe warned that holding the Olympics in 2021 (originally scheduled for 2020) will be impossible unless the pandemic is contained.
New data from antibody tests confirms (again) that the coronavirus is much more lethal than the flu.
China has scheduled large political meetings for the end of May in an effort to prove the virus is contained.
April 28
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 3,080,101 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 212,265
Oxford researchers believe they have made a breakthrough and suggest a vaccine could be ready by September.
Afghanistan freed thousands of more prisoners as fears of the coronavirus spread.
New Zealand’s month-long lockdown ended.
WHO announced they are putting greater emphasis on their supplies to Latin America as confirmed cases their rise.
The UN warned that lockdowns are being used as an excuse for police brutality.
April 27
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 3,008,176 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 207,361
Iran plans to begin reopening mosques.
Italy’s Prime Minister said the country will begin to gradually reopen on May 4.
British Prime Minister returned to work after recovering from the coronavirus.
New Zealand to lift its lockdown and the Prime Minister says the virus has been eliminated there.
Lebanese protesters violate lockdown orders and block roads in the nation’s cities to protest the collapsing economy.
China said that Wuhan no longer has any coronavirus patients in the hospital.
April 24
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,744,606 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 191,790
Pakistan plans to loosen its lockdown very soon.
The Czech Republic is beginning to ease restrictions on travel.
New confirmed cases increase y 40% in Africa.
WHO reports that cyber attacks against the organization have increased fivefold.
Nursing homes linked to as much as half of the deaths by the coronavirus in Europe.
April 23
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,654,164 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 185,061
China says they will give millions more to the WHO after the US put a hold on its funding.
A Brazilian city in the Amazon is digging mass graves to bury victims of the coronavirus.
April 22
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,573,747 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 178,564
Another cruise ship, this one docked in Japan, has over 30 people testing positive for the virus.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 819,175
Spain 208,389
Italy 183,957
France 158,050
Germany 148,587
Top 5 death counts by nation:
USA 45,343
Italy 24,648
Spain 21,717
France 20,796
UK 17,337
April 21
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,497,178 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 171,244
Russia breaks 50,000 confirmed cases.
Italy’s government said their country will begin to ease restrictions on May 4.
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,421,018 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 165,890
Europe surpassed 1 million confirmed cases over the weekend.
Chile to issue immunity cards to people who have recovered from the virus.
China warned its citizens in Russia to stay there as the country feared a new outbreak.
Australia called for a global investigation into the growth and spread of the coronavirus. Australia says the investigation should take place independently of the WHO.
April 17
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,196,569 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 147,508
China revised its death toll up by 50% to 4,632. China gave many reasons for the revision. Meanwhile, China’s GDP shrank for the first time in decades.
Confirmed cases reported within the Philippines prison system.
Japan extended state of emergency to include all 47 prefectures.
Britain will extend its lockdown at least three more weeks.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 678,210
Spain 184,948
Italy 168,941
France 165,027
Germany 138,221
Top 5 death counts by nation:
USA 34,641
Italy 22,170
Spain 19,315
France 17,920
UK 13,729
April 16
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,094,839 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 135,569
British Health Secretary said it was too early for the country to exit lockdown.
Germany plans to slowly reopen essential businesses next week.
Singapore reported its highest new case count in a single day.
The European Commission President issued an apology for the failed response to Italy.
French Defense Ministry says over 660 sailors are infected with the virus aboard a French aircraft carrier.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 644,348
Spain 182,816
Italy 165,155
France 147,863
Germany 134,753
Top 5 death counts by nation:
USA 28,554
Italy 21,645
Spain 19,130
France 17,167
UK 12,868
April 15
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 2,014,006 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 127,594
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 491,824
South Korea to hold elections today after rejecting calls to postpone the election due to coronavirus transmission concerns were rejected.
Domestic violence reports soar in Turkey.
Some European governments begin to pull back on pandemic rules. Children in Denmark returned to school.
Guatemala claimed 50-70% of deportees from the US to Guatemala tested positive for COVID-19.
April 14
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,934,754 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 120,438
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 456,766
India extended the world’s largest national lockdown to May 3.
France extended their national lockdown to May 11.
President Trump announced a temporary cut in funding to the World Health Organization.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 195,655
Spain 172,541
Italy 159,516
France 136,779
Germany 130,072
Top 5 death counts by nation:
USA 23,644
Italy 20,465
Spain 18,056
France 14,967
UK 11,329
April 13
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,862,254 around the world – a growth of nearly 100,000 cases over yesterday
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 114,980
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 431,666
China reported its highest number of newly confirmed cases in 6 weeks.
Italy reported its smallest number of deaths and new cases since March 18.
Russia reports its largest daily increase in confirmed cases.
The Japanese island of Hokkaido lifted its stay at home order and says they are now facing a crisis of a “second wave” of infections from the coronavirus.
Oil-producing nations agree to cut output by 10% in the face of a supply surplus. The pandemic’s effect on decreased demand is only one of the reasons that contributed to the surplus.
April 12
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,796,429 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 110,030
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 412,102
Prime Minister Boris Johnson released from the hospital for his recovery from the virus.
Japan recorded its fifth straight day of record jumps in confirmed cases.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 533,470
Spain 166,019
Italy 152,271
France 129,654
Germany 125,452
Top 5 death counts by nation:
USA 20,595
Italy 19,468
Spain 16,972
France 13,832
UK 9,875
April 10
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,615,587 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 96,794
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 362,572
Yemen reported its first confirmed coronavirus.
Global deaths will pass 100,000 today. Many note that this number is inaccurate. In the US, the CDC only counts coronavirus deaths where the virus was confirmed in a laboratory.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 468,895
Spain 146,690
Italy 143,626
Germany 118,235
France 117,749
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 18,279
USA 16,697
Spain 15,843
France 12,210
UK 7,978
April 9
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,529,401 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 89,416
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 337,164
The head of the World Health Organization warned that politicizing the pandemic will result in more body bags.
Saudi Arabia declared a cease-fire to its 5-year war in Yemen due to COVID-19 concerns.
Botswana’s entire government is quarantined.
China confirmed 63 new cases of the coronavirus.
A new scientific study warns that summer heat may not slow the spread of the virus.
April 8
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,446,981 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 83,090
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 308,653
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson spent the second night in intensive care following a worsening of his condition with COVID-19.
China officially ended the lockdown in Wuhan, 11 weeks after the virus first emerged there.
Dozens of sailors aboard French aircraft carriers are now showing symptoms of the coronavirus.
Western Australia plans to purchase ankle bracelets for quarantine violators.
A leading scientist resigned in protest from the EU effort to fight the coronavirus.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 400,549
Spain 146,690
Italy 135,586
France 109,069
Germany 107,663
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 17,127
Spain 14,555
USA 12,857
France 10,328
UK 6,159
April 6
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,284,738 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 70,320
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 271,731
Japan declares a state of emergency.
New infections in South Korea dropped below 50 for the first time since February.
UN Secretary-General warned of a global spike in domestic violence.
Greece locked down a second refugee camp where the virus was detected.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 336,851
Spain 135,032
Italy 128,948
Germany 100,132
France 92,839
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 15,887
Spain 13,055
USA 9,620
France 8,078
UK 4,934
April 4
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,134,399 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 60,427
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 236,086
China is no longer among the top 5 nations for confirmed reports or deaths.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 277,607
Spain 124,736
Italy 119,827
Germany 91,589
France 82,165
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 14,681
Spain 11,744
USA 7,406
France 6,507
UK 3,605
April 3
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 1,026,739 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 54,045
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 218,586
Singapore ordered schools and nonessential businesses closed.
Peru and Panama have now assigned days when people can leave their homes that are based on gender.
Brazil reported the first COVID19 case among the indigenous population in the Amazon.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 245,380
Spain 117,710
Italy 115,242
Germany 84,794
China 81,620
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 13,915
Spain 10,935
USA 6,095
France 5,387
China 3,322
April 2
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 950,639 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 48,289.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 202,631.
600,000 People were placed on lockdown in Henan China after new confirmed cases were reported. Chinese authorities are concerned that victory of the coronavirus may have been declared too soon.
The death count in Spain surpassed 10,000.
Germany nears surpassing China in confirmed cases.
The Philippine ambassador to Lebanon died to the virus.
Ecuador has reported more infections than nearly any other country in Latin America. Morgues are reported as full and bodies are now being left in the streets.
Israel’s health ministered tested positive for the virus.
A refugee camp in Greece was quarantined after 20 people tested positive for the virus.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 215,344
Italy 110,574
Spain 110,238
China 81,589
Germany 78,115
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 13,155
Spain 10,003
USA 5,112
France 4,032
China 3,318
China will fall out of the top 5 in deaths and confirmed cases in the next could of days as Iran and Germany surpass China in each of these areas.
April 1
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 872,977 around the world
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 43,275.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 184,575.
The US and France surpass China in total confirmed deaths from the virus.
Spain joined the US and Italy in surpassing the 100,000 mark for infections.
The Secretary-General of the United Nations said the pandemic is the most serious crisis facing the world since World War II.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 188,639
Italy 105,792
Spain 102,136
China 81,554
Germany 72,383
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 12,428
Spain 9,053
USA 4,059
France 3,523
China 3,312
March 31
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 799,741 around the world (more than 60,000 increase in one day)
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 38,721.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 169,995.
Spain reported nearly 900 new deaths, marking the worst 24 hour period for the country since the pandemic started.
Saudi Arabia quarantined select neighborhoods in Mecca.
Ethiopia postponed the country’s elections.
Vietnam ordered lockdown and banned gatherings of more than two.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 164,359 (an increase of 20,000+ from this time yesterday)
Italy 101,739
Spain 94,417
China 81,518
Germany 67,051
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 11,591
Spain 8,189
China 3,305
USA 3,173 (new to the top 5)
France 3,024
March 30
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 735,145 around the world (nearly 50,000 increase in one day)
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 34,807.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 156,137.
China moved into fourth place with confirmed cases reported in the world as now the US, Italy, and Spain have surpassed China. Meanwhile, the leader of Spain’s coronavirus task force tested positive.
Syria reported its first coronavirus death.
Iran reported 3,000 new COVID-19 cases while unrest was reported among frightened prisoners in Iran’s vast prison system.
South Korea warned they are seeing many new cases around Seoul.
Australia announced it would subsidize pay for the private sector in an effort to hold off unemployment surges.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 142,746
Italy 97,689
Spain 85,195
China 81,470
Germany 62,435
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 10,779
Spain 7,340
China 3,304
Iran 2,757
France 2,606
March 29
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 685,150 around the world.
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 32,183.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 146,400.
Italy crossed the threshold of 10,000 COVID-19 deaths.
Spain’s daily death toll is nearing that of Italy.
Japan is seeing an acceleration of newly confirmed cases.
Australia’s Prime Minister limited public gatherings to two people.
In South Korea, the number of recovering patients is rising twice as fast as new confirmed cases.
Portugal said all migrants will be treated as residents to make sure they receive treatment.
India’s prime minister apologized for how his country initially handled the nation’s lockdown.
Nigeria locked down Lagos and Abuja for two weeks.
Kenya’s coronavirus curfew began with waves of police crackdowns.
Moscow issued stay at home order for all residents.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 124,356
Italy 92,472
China 81,439
Spain 78,797
Germany 58,247
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 10,023
Spain 6,523
China 3,300
Iran 2,640
France 2,314
March 28
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 614,712 around the world.
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 28,244.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 137,344.
In South Korea, more patients have now been discharged than those currently undergoing treatment.
Spain’s death toll jumped by more than 800 in 24 hours. New cases in Spain jumped by more than 6,500. Spain will pass China and sit with Italy and the US with the most confirmed cases in the coming days.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are:
USA 104,256
Italy 86,498
China 81,394
Spain 72,248
Germany 53,340
Top 5 death counts by nation:
Italy 9,134
Spain 5,690
China 3,295
Iran 2,517
France 1,995
March 27
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 549,137 around the world.
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 24,863.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 128,623.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tested positive for the virus.
Australia deployed troops to enforce isolation orders.
Italy had its largest daily death total by the virus yet at 919.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are: USA 85,749 (passed China and Italy); China 81,340; Italy 80,589; Spain 64,059; Germany 47,278.
Top 5 death counts by nation: Italy 8,215; Spain 4,858; China 3,292; Iran 2,378; France 1,696
March 26
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 486,825 around the world. We will pass half a million in the next 24 hours.
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 22,021. A jump of nearly 3,000 since yesterday.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 117,460.
Nations from the US, Spain, Belgium, to Iran report massive surges in newly confirmed cases in the last 24 hours. In the next 24 hours Italy will overtake China as the nation with the most confirmed cases in the world. Then the US will overtake Italy. We will also hit more than half a million confirmed cases globally in the next 24 hours.
Priests living in the same Vatican residence as the Pope tested positive for the virus.
First deaths reported in Palestine, Trinidad and Tobago.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are: China 81,285; Italy 74,386; USA 68,581; Spain 47,610; Germany 34,009.
Top 5 death counts by nation: Italy 6,826; Spain 3,434; China 3,281; Iran 2,077; France 1,100
March 25
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 434,854 around the world.
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 19,607.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 111,856.
Spain joined Italy in passing China for the total deaths reported. Spain announced their morgues have run out of room for the dead.
Italy will likely pass China also in confirmed cases by the weekend.
Prince Charles heir to the British throne announced he tested positive for the coronavirus.
Leader of India’s largest state ignored the national lockdown to attend a religious ceremony.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are: China 81,218; Italy 69,176; USA 54,963; Spain 56,188; Germany 39,457.
Top 5 death counts by nation: Italy 7,503; Spain 4,089; China 3,287; Iran 2,234; France 1,331.
March 24
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 387,742 around the world. This number will likely pass 400,000 by the end of the day.
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 16,782.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 102,404.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a series of drastic new steps bringing the country closer to a lockdown status.
Spanish soldiers reported multiple nursing homes found with their residents abandoned.
China announces public transit is set to begin again in Wuhan even as fears of “silent spreaders” persists.
Thailand declared a state of emergency.
The Philippines legislature granted President Rodrigo Duterte special powers to fight the COVID-19 virus. These included the ability to take over private hospitals.
The 2020 Summer Olympics postponed for one year.
The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are: China 81,171; Italy 63,927; USA 46,168; Spain 35,480; Germany 30,138.
Top 5 death counts by nation: Italy 6,077; China 3,277; Spain 2,342; Iran 1,934; France 860
March 23
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 345,767 around the world. That is a jump of nearly 10% from yesterday.
Worldwide deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 14,927.
Total Recovered Cases around the world- 99,541.
The US is now solidly in the top 3 nations for reported cases globally. The top five nations with confirmed cases in the world are: China 81,093; Italy 59,138; USA 35,070; Spain 29,909; Germany 26,198. It is increasingly likely that Italy will overtake China with the most confirmed cases in the world.
Hong Kong announced visitors would not be allowed to enter or transit through the city starting Wednesday.
Several of India’s largest cities moved to lockdown mode.
UAE suspended all passenger flights and closed its malls.
Australia asked citizens to delay signing up for unemployment as the lines for this were violating social distancing requirements.
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 13,642, an increase of 14.7% over yesterday’s total deaths number.
Total Recovered Cases – 96,010, (30%). This is a new number we will start tracking daily with these updates.
Italy has more than 53,000 confirmed cases (new numbers will be reported from Italy at noon). The country may soon pass China in the total confirmed case counts, even though Italy is a fraction of the size of China. Italy already passed China in the death totals.
Spain extended its nationwide lockdown for another 15 days.
Singapore plans to ban entry of all short term visitors to the country.
The first infections reported in Gaza, one of the most densely populated areas per square foot on the planet.
Lebanon called in the military to keep people indoors.
Colombia, Romania, and Kosovo report first deaths.
El Salvador and Guatemala ordered citizens to stay home.
Angela Merkel placed in quarantine after her doctor tested positive for the virus.
Top 5 confirmed cases counts by nation: China 81,054; Italy 53,578; Spain 28,572; USA 26,909; Germany 23,129.
Top 5 death counts by nation: Italy 4,825; China 3,261; Spain 1,725; Iran 1,685; France 562
March 21
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 286,955 around the world.
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 11,890.
Singapore, Finland, Mauritius, United Arab Emirates, and Lithuania, confirmed their first death from the virus.
Colombia ordered a nationwide quarantine for 19 days.
Top 5 nations with confirmed cases: China 81,008; Italy 47,021; Spain 24,926; Germany 21,483; Iran 20,610
Top 5 nations death totals: Italy 4,032; China 3,255; Iran 1,556; Spain 1,326; France 450
Italy reported 793 deaths in the last 24 hour period. Spain also had its biggest death toll for a single day period at more than 300.
Britain asked that all included among the “extremely vulnerable population” stay home for the next 12 weeks.
Italy closed non-essential factories and services.
March 20
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 252,773 around the world. (Up 13% over yesterday.)
The World Health Organization noted that it took more than three months to reach 100,000 cases worldwide —but only 12 days to log the next 100,000. We have added more than 50,000 to that count in less than 5 days.
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 10,405.
China continued to have no new reports for the second day in a row.
Japan is allowing schools to reopen in regions deemed virus free.
The death toll in Spain surged by 30%.
Saudi Arabia grounded most domestic transportation.
Top 5 nations with confirmed cases: China 80,967; Italy 41,035; Spain 19,980; Iran 19,644; Germany 16,626
Top 5 nations death totals: Italy 3,405; China 3,248; Iran 1,433; Spain 1,002; France 372
March 19
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 223,082 around the world.
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 9,149.
The EU’s Brexit negotiator tested positive for coronavirus.
Australia and New Zealand closed their borders to outsiders. In the United Arab Emirates, not even expatriates can return home at this time.
The EU and the US have unleashed massive financial aid projects to save their economies.
The army has been dispatched in Amman, Jordan to enforce lockdown.
The UK is asking carmakers to begin producing ventilators in a wartime-like effort.
Russia and Mexico reported their first coronavirus death.
Italy overtakes China for the largest number of deaths from the pandemic. The government dispatched military trucks to pick up bodies as the morgues are overwhelmed.
Top 5 nations with confirmed cases: China 80,928; Italy 35,713; Iran 18,407; Spain 15,014; Germany 13,083
Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,245; Italy 2,978; Iran 1,284; Spain 640; France 264
March 18
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 201,106 around the world. Between March 6 and today, the confirmed case count more than doubled from 100,000 to today’s total.
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 8,010. An increase of nearly 1,000 over yesterday’s total.
CHINA REPORTED ITS FIRST DAY WITH NO NEW CASES OF COVID-19.
Australia banned indoor gatherings of more than 100 people.
Saudi Arabia suspended group prayers and ordered businesses to work from home.
South Korea reported an uptick in new cases out of a nursing hospital in the country.
Taiwan announced it is closing its borders to all foreigners except residents and diplomats.
The EU says Russia is orchestrating a disinformation campaign throughout Europe to worsen the spread of the virus.
France issues more than 4,000 fines for lockdown violations on the first day.
Italy had its largest daily increase in new confirmed cases.
March 17
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 183,637 around the world. Global cases minus China – 102,756.
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 7,177.
China records only one new local infection.
The E.U. barred most travelers from outside the bloc for the next 30 days.
Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,894; Italy 31,506; Iran 16,169; Spain 11,826; Germany 9,367 (This is the first time Germany broke the top 5.)
Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,237; Italy 2,503; Iran 988; Spain 533; France 175
March 16
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 182,368 around the world. Global cases minus China – 101,488. (The total confirmed reported case count increase over yesterday +11.9%.)
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 7,143. The increase over yesterday +17.3%.
France and Spain have sounded the alarm that their own health systems may soon be overwhelmed.
More people have now died from the virus outside of China than died within China.
The European Union is proposing that nonessential travel to most of the continent be restricted for 30 days.
The EU plans to seal itself off from all international travel.
France ordered a nationwide lockdown.
Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,880; Italy 27,980; Iran 14,991; Spain 9,942; South Korea 8,236
Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,213; Italy 2,158; Iran 853; Spain 342; France 148
March 15
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 162,959 around the world. Global cases minus China – 82,110 (The number will be updated later today when Italy’s numbers are added. We will also soon have a post here at the web site explaining why passing 80,000 minus China worldwide by March 15, is very concerning.)
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 6,085. This number rose by almost 10% from yesterday and will grow a lot in the next few weeks as the length of time people have been sick in Spain and Italy begins converting from active cases to death totals.
Massive crowds fill US airports as US travelers from Europe return to the US. This contradicts the strong encouragement for “social distancing.”
The Vatican closed Holy Week to the public.
Spain is moving toward lockdown. Thousands of businesses shut down in France as the government announced non-essential businesses should close.
Britain is asking older citizens to self-isolate.
South Korea’s president declared the southeastern part of South Korea as a “special disaster zone.”
Kuwait launched drones among its population to encourage people to disperse for social distancing.
Israel closed cafes, restaurants, shops, and theaters.
Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,849; Italy 21,157; Iran 13,998; South Korea 8,162; Spain 7,753
Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,199; Italy 1,441; Iran 724; Spain 291; France 91
March 14
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 150,649 around the world. Global cases minus China – 69,825(12,000 more than yesterday.)
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 5,619.
Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,824; Italy 17,660; Iran 12,729; South Korea 8,086; Spain 6,043
Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,189; Italy 1,266; Iran 611; Spain 191; France 79
Everyone entering New Zealand must now self-isolate.
Italy’s Deputy Health Minister tested positive for the coronavirus.
March 13
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 138,608 around the world. Global cases minus China – 57,793 (10,000 more than yesterday.)
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 5,083.
Top 5 nations confirmed reports: China 80,815; Italy 15,113; Iran 11,364; South Korea 7,979; Spain 4,073
Top 5 nations death totals: China 3,177; Italy 1,016; Iran 514; Spain 92; South Korea 71
W.H.O. says Europe is the new epicenter of the pandemic.
Church of Latter-Day Saints suspended all gatherings at their religious meetings worldwide.
Poland and Denmark are closed to foreigners.
U.K delays elections for a year.
Spain declared a national emergency.
Venezuela confirms its first two cases of the virus.
Ethiopia, Kenya, Guinea, and Sudan each confirm their first infections.
March 12
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 127,810 around the world. Global cases minus China – 47,014
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 4,716.
Top five nations confirmed reports: China 80,796; Italy 12,462; Iran 10,075; South Korea 7,869; France 2,281
Top five nations death totals from COVID-19 Coronavirus: China 3,169; Italy 827; Iran429; South Korea 66; Spain 55
Saudi Arabia joins the US in announcing a ban on travel to Europe.
China says they are past the peak of the outbreak. Chinese experts predict the worst of the pandemic will be over by June.
Austria and Greece report their first deaths.
Spain’s Minister of Equality tested positive for the virus.
March 11
Confirmed COVID-19 Coronavirus cases 125,633
Deaths from COVID-19 Coronavirus 4,607
W.H.O. declared a global pandemic.
India closed its borders. All existing visas will be suspended until April 15 according to the country’s leadership.
There are confirmed cases in 121 countries.
Angela Merkel of Germany warned that up to 70% of her country could become infected.
Top ten nations by death count from COVID-19: China 3,158; Italy 631; Iran 354; South Korea 61; Spain 47; France 33; USA 31; Japan 12; Iraq 7; Netherlands 5.
Global markets tanked again on fears of the pandemic.
*Note: It has been brought to our attention that the phrase Wuhan Coronavirus is now considered racist. Most major outbreaks are associate with their place of origin (Spanish Flu, Zaire Ebolavirus, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). While we disagree with this assertion, that is not the point of this web page. To that end, we will not change recordings up to this point but will no longer use the term Wuhan Coronavirus going forward.
Total confirmed cases worldwide, excluding China, is now 34,048
The whole nation of Italy is put under lockdown and quarantined. Schools are shut nationwide, Italians have been told not to travel, all public events are stopped, restaurants must close by 6pm.
United Arab Emirates closes ports to cruise ships.
Top 5 nations for death totals: China 3,136; Italy 463; Iran 237; South Korea 54; Spain 31
The World Health Organization said the disease has killed 3.5% of those diagnosed with the virus, a higher number than previously estimated.
The Trump administration said any individual can now be tested for the virus in the US if a doctor deemed it necessary for that individual. US now has 128 confirmed cases and 9 deaths.
Iran freed 52,000 inmates to avoid the virus spreading in the prisons.
81 countries now have at least 1 confirmed case.
India has 28 confirmed cases
The top countries for confirmed cases: China 80,282; South Korea 5,621; Iran 2,922; Italy 2,502; Japan 308
The top 5 countries by death counts due to the disease: China 2,981; Iran 92; Italy 79; South Korea 34; USA 9
Health officials wait for the virus to spread across the US and new, unexplained, possible person to person contact cases are identified in Oregon and California.
Confirmed cases in China have plateaued and new cases reported have declined throughout the past week but new cases in the rest of the world are exploding. There are now 48 countries with confirmed cases.
Reported cases in South Korea now 2,337 with 13 deaths.
Cases in Iran and Italy doubled. Iran 388 confirmed cases. Italy 655 confirmed cases.
Kuwait reported 43 new cases, all related to Iran.
Europe has new cases in Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Spain and Switzerland.
France reported its first COVID-19 death.
Japan reports its first COVID-19 death.
A US soldier in South Korea is confirmed to have the coronavirus.
South Korea infections reached 1,261.
COVID-19 death toll in Italy rose to 12.
February 25
Confirmed COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus cases 80,348. New cases in China are slowing while they begin to rise in other parts of the world.
Deaths from COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus 2,707
South Korea now has 977 confirmed cases, 11 deaths
Iran 95 confirmed cases, 15 deaths. Iran’s deputy health minister tested positive for the virus. Iraqi lawmakers are demanding their border with Iran be closed adding a new element to an already tense situation between the two countries.
Italy 287 confirmed cases, 7 deaths
US CDC warns of the disruption of everyday life in America is coming.
China – Six provinces lowered their emergency warnings so that businesses could reopen, even while the National People Congress, the largest event on China’s political calendar, was postponed.
South Korea – 833 confirmed cases, 7 deaths
Italy – More than 200 confirmed cases, 3 deaths
Iran – 43 confirmed cases, 8 deaths
Turkey and Pakistan closed their borders to Iran.
Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bahrain now have confirmed cases.
Global financial markets sink on fears of a global pandemic.
Iran reported its sixth death from the coronavirus
The total cases in South Korea more than doubled in the last 24 hours. The total confirmed cases in South Korea are now 433.
Scientists and doctors are beginning to believe the incubation period for the virus may be more than 14 days which has been the common belief for the last month.
Italy now has 53 confirmed cases.
February 21
Confirmed COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus cases 76,819. After several days of decline, confirmed cases in China began to rise again today. There were 220 new cases inside prisons.
Deaths from the COVID-19 / Wuhan Coronavirus to date – 2,250
South Korea sees a jump in new cases, mostly linked to a church that is known as a cult. Cases of the Wuhan Coronavirus tripled in the last few days to 156.
The cruise ship Diamond Princess has 621 confirmed cases. Israel confirmed its first case of the coronavirus, a passenger on the cruise ship.
Italy its first three cases of local transmissions of COVID-19.
American passengers on the quarantined Japanese cruise ship are on their way back to the US. The Japanese government reports the number of confirmed cases aboard the cruise ship has grown to 355.
Hong Kong reported its second death from the virus.
Iran has its first two confirmed cases of the COVID-19, also known as the Wuhan Coronavirus. Middle Eastern countries that have confirmed COVID-19 cases now include: Egypt, United Arab Emirates, and Iran – with a total of 12 confirmed cases among them.
February 16
Total confirmed cases of the Wuhan Coronavirus – 69,289
Total deaths – 1,671
In Beijing, all residents returning to the city are required to stay home or submit to group observation for 14 days. The Chinese government warned that those who refuse this directive will be held accountable under the law.
Taiwan reported its first death to COVID-19.
February 15
Total confirmed cases – 67,191
Total deaths – 1,527
French patient with COVID-19 died. This is the first death from the virus outside of Asia.
The US plans to evacuate its citizens from the Japanese cruise ship.
February 14
Total confirmed cases – 64,471
Total deaths – 1,384
China reports more than 1,700 health workers contracted the virus. Six of them died.
Multiple counties in Hubei province enacted wartime measures that forbid people from leaving their homes.
Singapore’s government warned of a possible recession as the effects of the virus are pounding the countries economy. Singapore’s archdiocese canceled public masses due to coronavirus fears.
Egypt reported that a foreign national tested positive for COVID-19 within Egypt.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in China surged overnight as authorities changed the diagnostic criteria. There are now 59,805 confirmed cases in China.
Similarly, a new record of new deaths by COVID-19 occurred. In China, there are now 1,367 confirmed deaths.
Japan announced its first death from COVID-19. This is the second death to the virus outside of China.
Meanwhile, the number of confirmed cases on the Japanese cruise ship Diamond Princess climbed to 218.
South Korea quarantined hundreds of soldiers with links to China.
Singapore confirmed 8 new cases bringing their total of COVID-19 cases to 58.
February 12
The Wuhan virus total death count reached 1,113.
Total reported cases climbed to 44,653.
The number of new cases outside the Hubei province fell for the 8th day in a row, suggesting we may be nearing the peak of the outbreak.
There are 393 cases outside of China in 24 countries.
The total of confirmed infected cases on the Japanese cruise ship jumped to 175.
February 11
The World Health Organization gives the virus its official name – COVID-19. It is an acronym that stands for coronavirus 2019.
February 10
Death total – 908
Confirmed cases reported – 40,171
The number of infected cases in Britain doubled from four to eight.
Many medical professionals believe the death counts and reported cases are underreported due to the severe strain currently being experienced by the testing facilities in China.
The World Health Organization says its offers for assistance have been ignored by the Chinese government until today.
The number of infected people on the Japanese cruise ship grew to 136.
February 9
Death total – 811
Confirmed cases reported – 37,198
February 8
The death toll rose to 803. This includes an American who died in Wuhan.
All but one of these deaths have been in China.
In the 2003 SARS epidemic, 774 people died in more than two dozen countries.
The confirmed case count in China is 34,800.
The virus is now present in two dozen other countries and includes 288 confirmed cases outside of China.
February 7
The death toll and confirmed case count spiked in China during the last 24 hours.
Total deaths in China from the coronavirus are now at 636.
Total confirmed cases are at 31,161
The Chinese doctor who originally sounded the alarm about this virus less than two months ago has died.
A Japanese cruise ship is in quarantine and 61 passengers have tested positive for the virus.
Chinese researchers identified the pangolin as a possible link to the spread of the virus.
February 6
The death toll in China crossed the 500 mark and is now up to 563.
28,018 Confirmed cases in China.
There are now 12 confirmed cases in the US.
February 5
490 deaths; 24,324 confirmed cases. More people have now died in this epidemic than in the SARS outbreak of 2002-3 in mainland China.
The number of “suspected” cases has dropped for two days in a row in China.
Among the deaths so far: Two-thirds of them are men, 80% are over age 60, and most of them had preexisting health issues
Hong Kong is now quarantining all people arriving from China for 14 days.
In Hong Kong, 2,500 medical workers went on strike to demand the border with China be closed.
Hyundai suspended the production of its cars at South Korea car factories.
February 3
There are now 17,488 confirmed cases.
In China, there have been 361 deaths.
February 2
A man from Wuhan China died in the Philippines, becoming the first person to die from the Wuhan Coronavirus outside of China.
The death toll in China rose to 304.
The total confirmed cases globally are 14,380.
Doctors now say the virus can spread by fecal matter as well as droplets from the mouth and nose.
Countries with confirmed cases: Australia, France, Japan, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States, South Korea, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Britain, Vietnam, Italy, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Finland, Sweden, and Spain.
The US has eight confirmed cases.
February 1
The death toll in China rose to 259.
The global total of confirmed cases rose to 12,000. Most of these are in China with 100 cases confirmed in 21 other countries.
Americans returning home who have been to China’s Hubei province will face a mandatory 14-day quarantine.
January 31
The death toll in China has risen to 213.
The total confirmed cases have risen to 9,800.
Singapore and Mongolia both announce they are closing their borders with China due to the spreading virus.
Confirmed cases in the following countries now: Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia, Macau, France, the United States, South Korea, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, Britain, Vietnam, Italy, India, the Philippines, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Finland.
US takes the unprecedented step of barring entry to all foreign nationals who recently traveled to China.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a global health emergency. This was a significant step that the WHO declined to take eight days ago.
There are three confirmed cases in Japan.
Russia is considering closing its 2,600-mile border with China.
January 29
In China, the death count rose to 132 people, a 25% increase over yesterday.
The total confirmed cases in China are now at 6,078. This number now surpasses the number of Chinese infected by SARS nearly two decades ago (although not the global number of SARS infection).
A new twist in the spread of the virus as people who never visited China have now been infected in Germany, Japan, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
British Airways canceled all flights in and out of China due to fears of an outbreak.
January 28
The death toll from the Wuhan coronavirus surged in the last 24 hours. Today a total of 106 people have died in China.
The total confirmed cases in China also boomed overnight. There are now 4,515 confirmed cases in China.
Around the world the number of countries with confirmed Wuhan Virus cases is growing as well:
Thailand 14 cases of infection
Hong Kong 8
United States, Taiwan, Australia and Macau have 5 each
Singapore, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia each have reported 4
France has three; Canada and Vietnam have 2
Nepal, Cambodia and Germany each have 1
Check out the map at this web site that tracks the spread and growth of the Wuhan coronavirus globally.
January 27
The confirmed Wuhan virus case count in China now stands at 2,744.
Thailand and Hong Kong have each reported eight cases of infection; the United States, Taiwan, Australia, and Macau have five each; Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia each have reported four; France has three; Vietnam has two, and Nepal has one.
110 People in the US are being evaluated for the virus.
The death count has risen to 80. The total confirmed Wuhan Virus count across China is now at 1,975. The mayor of Wuhan said the count could rise by another 1,000 very quickly as many of those being observed are anticipated to be confirmed cases. The youngest confirmed case for the virus is with a 9-month-old girl in Wuhan.
No deaths from the virus outside of China.
A third infection has been confirmed in the US at the beginning of the day. The person is in California and appears to be doing well according to doctors. By the end of the day, there are now five confirmed cases in the US.
One of the leading doctors fighting the virus in China said they believe the incubation period is 10-14 days and carriers are contagious during that time.
The leader of Hong Kong declared a health emergency, informing the public that schools would be closed until February.
January 25
More than 1,370 confirmed cases of infection in China. The death count has risen to 41. More than 8,400 people are under observation.
Among the dead is now a young man, previously healthy. This counters the trend of mostly unhealthy and elderly who made up the death count before this time. It might also mean a change in the nature of the virus.
Australia confirmed its first case of coronavirus.
Additional Chinese cities went into lockdown mode and began significantly reducing public transportation and public gatherings. These included: Huanggang and Ezhou.
The first case of Wuhan virus was reported in Hong Kong. The World Health Organization determined a Global Public Health Emergency will not be declared as more information is needed. They will meet again in the coming days as more information becomes available.
January 21
291 cases reported across China. The spread of the Wuhan virus was confirmed in other major Chinese cities including Beijing and Shanghai. The Wuhan Municipal Health Commission reported at least 15 health workers in Wuhan were infected. At least one of these health workers was in critical condition.
The first case of Wuhan virus was reported in the US.
Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Taiwan also now have confirmed cases.
January 20
A giant leap in confirmed cases takes place in the third weekend of January. Six people have died and 290 people are reported infected with the virus.
It is confirmed the virus can pass from person to person.
China reports the second death from what is beginning to be called the “Wuhan Virus.”
January 13
Dozens of people have been hospitalized after showing symptoms of the mystery virus. No healthcare workers have been infected, establishing a belief that the virus is not passed person to person.
The first death from the mystery virus is reported in Wuhan. Seven other people are in critical condition. Forty-one people have been diagnosed with the virus.
December 31
Chinese authorities first reported the emergence of a new respiratory illness with pneumonia-like symptoms in the city of Wuhan.
December 12
The first patient with symptoms is reported in Wuhan, China