Coronavirus Outbreak: Timeline and Updates on What’s Happening

It started in the most populous city in central China, Wuhan, where 300 people were first reported to be infected with a new coronavirus. Now, it has spread throughout China and several other countries in Asia and has even dipped into Europe, North America, and Australia. What will happen next?

Scroll down if you want to get straight to the current coronavirus timeline (updated daily).

What is the Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are actually a family of viruses. Common types of these viruses mimic the common cold while also causing various respiratory issues. Other forms of coronavirus can be much more severe, and may even lead to death. Here are some of the possible symptoms:

Fever
Runny nose
Headache
Sore throat
Cough
Trouble breathing
In more extreme cases, leading to pneumonia or bronchitis

Interestingly, most people have been infected at least once in their lives, as reported by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The viruses cause illness in both people and animals, but typically only spread either from person-to-person or animal-to-animal – rarely would an animal coronavirus evolve or mutate to the extent of infecting people. But China may be experiencing one of those rare cases, as Chinese authorities report most patients in the Wuhan City outbreak have been linked to a large seafood and animal market.

Now, here is a rough timeline of everything that has happened concerning the coronavirus. We’ll continue to report on new outbreaks or quarantines, while keeping this piece updates as well.

A Rough Timeline of Current Coronavirus News

On December 31st, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) is alerted by Chinese authorities that pneumonia-like sickness cases are circulating in the city of Wuhan – the largest city in Hubei, a province in Central China. People are quarantined and investigations ensue.

The CDC pinpoint a large seafood and animal market where the cases may have originated, leading the market to be closed on January 1st, 2020.

Comes January 9th, when the WHO reveals that the coronavirus currently circulating is not a known type, which is causing elevated concern. By this time, 59 people have been reportedly affected by the virus, with 7 of them being in serious condition.

The first person dies in China on January 11th, while the number of people sickened gets reduced overall.

On January 13th, the virus travels outside of China’s borders, hitting Thailand.

Two days later, on January 15th, China’s health commission says that the virus hasn’t definitively been transmitted from human-to-human, though it can’t be ruled out.

A case of the virus hits Japan on January 16th.

A second person dies in Wuhan on January 17th. The CDC announces tighter protocols for screening individuals at 3 airports: San Francisco, New York’s JFK, and Los Angeles.

By January 21st, 6 people have died and the sick-count rises to 200+ in China as it spreads throughout the country. By this time, it has made an appearance in China, Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea.

Also by January 21st, the 1st case of coronavirus was discovered in the United States in the state of Washington. The man landed in the states from Wuhan on January 15th. Following the news, the Washington State Department of Health made a decision to monitor 43 people who had close contact with the man. This is in Snohomish County.

Around this time, it was reported that the Chinese government quarantined the city of Wuhan and voiced plans to shut down the airport and public transportation. Approximately 17 people have died and another 500+ sickened.

The virus is known as 2019-nCoV.

Citing how the Chinese government covered up information regarding the SARS outbreak from 2002-2004 (the government hid initial SARS cases for 4 months), Chinese citizens fear the government is currently hiding some information about the coronavirus. According to the New York Times, the first case of the virus was actually reported on December 8th – not December 31st. Wuhan officials “insisted that it was controlled and treatable.” China censors are said to be scrubbing the internet. What’s more, police said that 8 people who posted on social media about the virus were ‘spreading rumors.’ More on that in the link – you should check it out.

Health authorities in Texas start to investigate a suspected coronavirus case on January 23rd, according to the local health department.

Numerous reports come out on January 24th regarding updates on the virus and how China and other countries are reacting. On or around January 24th, 14 people were tested for the virus in the United Kingdom. By now a reported 26 people in China have died from the virus, though the WHO says that most of those who have died from coronavirus “had underlying health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes or cardiovascular disease.”

Japan buckles down in preparation for people to travel into the country in celebration of the Chinese New Year – the Year of the Rat. Airports have more intense screenings, airlines are urged to distribute health declarations, and businesses warn employees of the oncoming visits. Also by this time, the health ministry in Tokyo revealed the 2nd case of the virus in the country.

Reports come in about a 2nd coronavirus case in Chicago. The CDC also start investigating another 61 potential cases from 22 states.

Also on the 24th, China goes into lock-down by shutting tourist attractions and public transportation systems. Part of the Great Wall of China as well as Disneyland in Shanghai close. Fourteen cities housing a total of 40 million people also go into some form of lock-down. Further, China announces that it will be building a 1,000-bed hospital (in just 10 days) dedicated to those struck with the virus.

Researchers release a report predicting that up to 350,000 people just in Wuhan will be infected by February.

A possible case of coronavirus gets investigated in North Carolina.

Australian authorities announce the first case to reach Australia’s second smallest state, Victoria.

Both Texas and North Carolina test further for possible coronavirus cases.

An infection-count estimate becomes voiced by health experts, suggesting that as many as 9,700 people could be infected, which is ‘far more than the 600-count stated by other officials.’

A Chinese doctor named Wang Guangfa fears that the virus spread to him through the eyes. Experts confirm that this is indeed possible if you touch your eyes with contaminated hands.

By January 25th, 2 more cases have been confirmed in France. As well, the virus has taken 41 lives and infected more than 900 people worldwide, China restricts travel for 35 million people, and other areas go on lock-down as concerns and mistrust grow among the public.

A doctor is reported dead from the virus. As of 1200 GMT on the 25th, the death toll in China reaches 42, with another estimated 1,372 being infected. The Chinese president Xi Jinping warns of ‘grave situation,’ while the U.S. evacuates its citizens from Wuhan.

Three new cases are confirmed in New South Wales in Australia, bringing the count up to 4 total in Australia.

Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam declares a virus emergency, extending school cancellations until February 17 and canceling all official visits to mainland China.

Canada reports that a “presumptive” case of the virus has been discovered in Ontario, which would mark the first instance of the virus in Canada. Not long after, a case of coronavirus is indeed confirmed in the country.

By January 26th, the U.S. makes headlines for its 3rd case of the virus, found in Orange County, California.

Now, it’s said that the virus killed 56 people and sickened at least 1,975, most of which have taken place in China.

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) announces that the virus is contagious even in its incubation period – referring to the time which passes between first exposure and when symptoms first appear. What’s more, the coronavirus is growing stronger with its ability to spread, leading scientist to keep a close eye on possible mutations.

On the 26th, Reuters reports on a group of masked protesters in Hong Kong who set fire to a newly-built building which was to be used for quarantine.

Another 2 cases of the virus are now confirmed in the U.S. The 4th case appeared in Los Angeles County in California, and the 5th in Arizona. As well, the Virginia Department of Health announced an investigation into 3 possible cases of coronavirus.

A 5th case of the virus in Australia was confirmed on January 27th. All the while, there are at least 100 Australians confined within China’s imposed lock-down protocols.

Health Minister Mam Bunheng said on the 27th that Cambodia has been stricken with its first case of coronavirus.

West African country Ivory Coast, or Côte d’Ivoire, announces an investigation into a possible coronavirus case in a female student who arrived from China.

The CDC announces tests for at least 110 people in the U.S. for the virus.

Investigating the timeline and evidence surrounding the coronavirus, a large group of Chinese researchers publish a paper in The Lancet suggesting that the Wuhan seafood market was in fact not the source of the outbreak, and that the first infections must have actually occurred in November, 2019. Meanwhile, it is reported that scientists from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention say that tests prove humans caught it from animals at the Huanan Seafood Wholesales Market.

Zhou Xianwang, the Mayor of Wuhan, said that 5 million people left the city before travel restrictions were imposed.

Philadelphia health officials being investigating whether a student at William Penn Charter School in Philadelphia may have contracted coronavirus.

Authorities in the Philippines begin deporting 500 Chinese citizens who came in from Wuhan in an attempt to prevent the virus from spreading in the country.

Southwest Airlines decides to escort a passenger with flu-like symptoms, who also recently traveled to Beijing, off of the plane as a precautionary measure.

New Hampshire health officials begin testing 2 people for the virus, both of which have recently traveled to Wuhan City. Testing is also being done in New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Maryland.

Test results for the virus in individuals from Queenstown, New Zealand and Detroit, Michigan in the U.S. return negative.

By January 28th, health authorities in Germany confirm the country’s first case of the coronavirus

By now, the number of coronavirus cases in China is nearing 3,000, with at least 80 lives being taken by the virus. China has placed almost 60 million people on lock-down, with full or partial travel restrictions on 16 cities across Hubei. The virus is also confirmed in 16 countries.

Wuhan Mayor explains why the coronavirus was not disclosed to the public until 1/20/20 – even when the first identified case was 12/8/19.

Mayor of #Wuhan explained why #coronavirus was not disclosed to public until 1/20 (note: first case identified on 12/8)
Because it was “not authorized by central government” of the CCP

…so I am not the one to blame…#WuhanOutbreak #WuhanPneumonia pic.twitter.com/LMb6QiMAa5

— Himalaya Global (@HimalayaGlobal) January 28, 2020

A massive jump in coronavirus cases is reported in Hubei Province, jumping to 2,714 – up from 1,291.

By January 28th, more than 4,500 cases of the virus have been confirmed worldwide, with 106 dead. The U.S. also raises travel alert for China to level (2nd highest). North Korea and Hong Kong have also closed China borders.

The U.S. announces that it will be evacuating Americans out of Wuhan to California on Wednesday, January 29th.

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CECC) confirm 2 more cases of the virus in Taiwan.

In an effort to identify ill passengers returning from China as well as educate travelers about the coronavirus, a total of 20 airports in the U.S. are to begin screening for the virus.

Villages in China have begun barricading themselves in with brick walls to stop potentially-infected outsiders from spreading the virus.

Image credit and source: Sky News and DailyMail

A student in Utah student was tested for coronavirus after returning from China with flu-like symptoms.

About 5,023 passengers and 1,628 crew aboard Costa Cruises’ Costa Smeralda ship were held in an Italian port on the 29th after a passenger came down with flu-like symptoms.

By January 29th, several developments have gone underway. Australia announced plans to quarantine its evacuees on Christmas island (2,000km, or 1,200 miles) from the mainland; British Airways suspended flights to and from mainland China; several other airlines have taken similar actions; China’s national women’s football team has been quarantined in Australia after landing there for an event; and furniture giant Ikea announced it was temporarily closing half of its 40 stores in China.

Boeing announced that it would donate 250,000 medical-grade respiratory masks to Wuhan.

Medical officials are working to create a vaccine for the virus.

Thirty students and 3 teachers from a Florida school are confined to their homes, unknowing if they’ve been exposed to the coronavirus.

On January 30th, 38 more people died in China, taking the death-count from 132 to 170.

Tibet reported its first case of the virus.

A 6th case of the coronavirus appears in the U.S. in Chicago. This marks the first human-to-human transmission in the U.S. Meanwhile, the virus has infected more than 8,100 people and killed at least 170 in China.

The Worth Health Organization makes a big move by declaring a public health emergency over the coronavirus. The declaration will ‘allow governments around the world to make faster, more intense decisions so that the outbreak can be controlled.’ This would especially be helpful to those under-developed nations with weak health systems in place.

Officials in the Philippines confirm the country’s first case of the coronavirus.

India also confirms its first case of the coronavirus.

Three Japaneses individuals who were evacuated from Wuhan test positive for the virus.

Google announced it will be temporarily closing its offices in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Amazon, Microsoft, are also reportedly taking similar actions.

By now, 218 people in China have died from the virus, while a total of 9,800+ have been infected.

Comes January 31st news.

The U.S. State Department is warning Americans not to travel to China, issuing its most serious travel advisory.

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed a 2nd possible case of coronavirus in Northern Virginia, bringing the total of potential cases in Virginia up to 4.

The 1st case of coronavirus was confirmed in Sweden.

Russia announces its first 2 coronavirus cases.

Two Chinese tourists are the 1st (and 2nd) in Britain to test positive for the virus.

An infected doctor in France became the country’s first person to catch coronavirus without going to China.
In a blog post issued late on Thursday the 30th, Facebook Head of Health Kang-Xing Jin said the firm would “remove content with false claims or conspiracy theories that have been flagged by leading global health organizations and local health authorities that could cause harm to people who believe them…. This includes claims related to false cures or prevention methods — like drinking bleach cures the coronavirus — or claims that create confusion about health resources that are available.”Instagram will take similar action, he said.
Headlines warn the public to be wary of false information and outright hoaxes related to the coronavirus.

The Communist Party secretary of Wuhan, Feng Guoqiang, said on Friday the 31st that he felt responsible for the spread of the coronavirus.

American and Delta airlines announced that they are suspending service to mainland China.

About 341 Bangladeshis stranded in Wuhan are to return home on the 31st on a special flight, to be kept at a makeshift hospital at the Ashkona Hajj Camp.