Hong Kong was relatively unscathed by the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak and had a flatter epidemic curve than most other places, which observers consider remarkable given its status as an international transport hub. Furthermore, its proximity to China and its millions of mainland visitors annually would make it vulnerable.[2] Some experts now believe the habit of wearing masks in public since the SARS epidemic of 2003 may have helped keep its confirmed infections at 845, with four deaths, by the beginning of April.[2] In a study published in April 2020 in the Lancet, the authors expressed their belief that border restrictions, quarantine and isolation, social distancing, and behavioural changes such as wearing masks likely all played a part in the containment of the disease up to the end of March.[3]
The coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, took place in the backdrop of widespread and intense political protests, fed by anti-government sentiment, since June 2019.[4][5]The District Council election in November, widely regarded as a proxy referendum over the protest movement's demands,[6] saw the pro-democrats achieve their biggest landslide victory in Hong Kong's history.[7][6] The economy of the city has been reeling under the effects of the unrest, as the number of mainland visitors fell and business confidence suffered, and the city slipped into recession.[8] As the coronavirus crisis escalated in February and March 2020, the scale of the protests dwindled.[9] Protest activities continued regularly in Tseung Kwan O, Yuen Long and Mong Kok every month.[10][11][12] Large-scale protests are currently halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.[13]
It was believed by many observers that the coronavirus pandemic had provided cover for an increase of arrests related to the protests.[17] Some pro-democracy activists held the view that the successes in curbing the coronavirus pandemic had been the result of being wary of early information from the World Health Organisation (WHO) regarding the dangers of the virus, as they saw the WHO as being subject to undue influence from mainland China.[18]
For Hongkongers, the outbreak evoked bitter memories as the city was at the forefront of the SARS epidemic in 2003, when over 1,700 people contracted the virus and almost 300 people died locally.[19]
Upon learning of the outbreak, the government required disclosure by those who had been to wet markets in Wuhan. The government widened the criteria for notification on 3 January – anyone who had visited Wuhan within 14 days before the onset of any respiratory symptoms of illness would need to inform health authorities.[20]
The HK government declared a "serious response level" to the virus outbreak centred on Wuhan on 4 January, when Hong Kong announced eight suspected cases; the eight cases turned out negative for the disease from Wuhan. Medical experts in Hong Kong urged mainland authorities to be more forthcoming with Wuhan patient information that could aid epidemiological study.[20] Although Wuhan health authorities said there was "no obvious evidence" of human-to-human transmission of the then-unidentified virus, University of Hong Kong infectious diseases expert Dr Ho Pak-leung suspected such transmission had happened among cases in Wuhan, and urged "the most stringent" precautionary measures.[20] However, press reported that border checks at the West Kowloon high-speed rail terminal were not yet operational.[19] On 8 January, Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) added "Severe respiratory disease associated with a novel infectious agent" to their list of notifiable diseases to expand their authority on quarantine.[21] The Hong Kong government also shortened hospital visits and made it a requirement for visitors to wear face masks. Screening was tightened at airports and train stations with connections to Wuhan.[22] In the first week of 2020, 30 unwell travellers from Wuhan were tested. Most had other respiratory viruses.[23][24]
On 22 January, a 39-year-old man from mainland China who had travelled from Shenzhen and who arrived in Hong Kong by high-speed rail developed symptoms of pneumonia. Resident in Wuhan, he had arrived in Shenzhen by highspeed rail with his family. He tested positive for the virus and was hospitalised in Princess Margaret Hospital, Kowloon. The same day, a 56-year-old man from Ma On Shan, who had visited Wuhan in the previous week, also tested positive. These two cases were listed as "Highly Suspected Cases", they were confirmed positive the following day.[1]
On 23 January, the Hong Kong government designated the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village in Sai Kung as a quarantine centre.[25] The Hong Kong Tourism Board cancelled the Lunar New Year Cup and a four-day Lunar New Year carnival, citing concerns over the virus outbreak.[26][27] In addition, the previous two cases of "Highly Suspected Cases" had been confirmed positive by health and government officials.[28]
On 24 January, health authorities confirmed three more cases, all of the patients had come from Wuhan to Hong Kong. The third case was a 62-year-old woman that had arrived to Hong Kong with her husband. They had both moved in with their daughter and son-in-law, who lived locally. Her husband, daughter and son-in-law had not developed symptoms and were both quarantined in the Lady MacLehose Holiday Village. The 4th and 5th cases were a 62-year-old woman and her husband aged 63 who had both arrived in Hong Kong on 22 January and had moved into their daughter's house. The couple attempted to escape from Prince of Wales Hospital after learning that they would have to be quarantined, but failed when the police were called.[29]
On 26 January, three more cases were identified: the 6th consisted of a 47-year-old man who lived in North Point who had been working at a wet market in Wuhan for a few weeks before returning to Hong Kong; the 7th was a 68-year-old Hong Kong woman who lived in neighbouring Shenzhen and had visited Wuhan earlier that month. She was sent to North District Hospital after she presented symptoms while arriving at the Shenzhen-Hong Kong (Luowu) border on 25 January; the 8th case was the 64-year-old husband of the 3rd case in Hong Kong. He had developed a fever on the night of 25 January during quarantine, and was immediately sent to hospital to be tested for the coronavirus. A newly built housing block in Fanling in Hong Kong's New Territories that was earmarked as a quarantine facility for people who may have been exposed to Wuhan coronavirus, was fire-bombed. Dozens of residents and protesters opposed to the idea held rallies outside the complex.[32]
On 28 January, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam stated the high-speed rail service between Hong Kong and mainland China would be suspended starting on 30 January, and all cross-border ferry services would also be suspended in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.[33] Additionally, the number of flights from mainland China would be cut in half, cross-border bus services reduced, and the Hong Kong government was asking all its employees (except those providing essential/emergency services) to work from home. In a press conference later that day, Lam said that the Man Kam To and Sha Tau Kok border checkpoints would be closed.[34]
On 29 January, two connected cases were confirmed by health officials, raising the number of confirmed cases to 10. The 9th and 10th cases consisted of a couple from Wuhan in their 70s who had arrived in Hong Kong on board Cathay Dragon KA853 on 22 January, and checked into a hotel in West Kowloon on the same day. They had visited multiple restaurants at the hotel, the Elements mall, the Ritz Carlton. During their visit to the Four Seasons Hotel on 28 January, the staff who noticed that the couple had a persistent cough and appeared unwell called an ambulance, and both of them were transferred to Hospital, where both tested positive for coronavirus. The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that all facilities overseen by the department including all public museums, public libraries and sports centres and venues would be closed until further notice as a health precaution.[35] On 14 February, the LCSD announced that the closure of its facilities would be extended until 2 March 2020.[36] On 28 April, Hong Kong Public Libraries announced a partial reopening of some of its branches starting from 6 May.[37]
On 30 January, two new cases of coronavirus were confirmed, raising the count to 12. The 11th case was a 39-year-old woman who lived and worked in Hong Kong – the daughter of the 9th and 10th (couple from Wuhan) cases. She had previously also stayed with them at the W Hotel in West Kowloon, and also visited the Hong Kong with them. She developed symptoms on 28 January after sending her parents to hospital. She was the first case of local transmission in Hong Kong. The 12th patient was a 75-year-old man who lived in Tsing Yi who had visited Guangdong province in China from late December till early January, and Macau for several days in mid-January. He developed coughing symptoms on 22 January and was hospitalised in a regular hospital room at the Queen Margaret Hospital. Not having declared his travel history, he was initially not tested for the coronavirus. On 30 January, his conditions worsened and he tested positive for the coronavirus.[citation needed]
On 31 January, the 13th case of COVID-19 was confirmed – a 39-year-old Hong Kong man with diabetes, who lived in Whampoa, Kowloon. He had came back from Wuhan in the previous week, and developed muscle pain on 29 January. He developed a cough and fever on 31 January, and was confirmed to have the coronavirus. Afterwards, his family were transferred to a quarantine camp.[citation needed]
February
On 4 February, the CHP reported Hong Kong's first death, that of a 39-year-old patient, the 13th case.[38]
On 5 February, Hong Kong confirmed three more cases.[39] Another three were confirmed on 6 February,[40] with another two cases on 7 February.[41]
On 9 February, Hong Kong confirmed three more cases with two from the same family, bringing the total number to 29.[42] It was also announced on the same day that the passengers and crew of the World Dream cruise ship were allowed to leave after a check revealed that they were negative for the coronavirus and had no history of being in close contact with eight passengers who disembarked and were found to be positive for the virus.[43]
As of 17 February, the CHP had identified 60 cases in Hong Kong with two patients since recovered.[44][45]
On 19 February, a 70-year-old man with underlying illnesses became the second death in Hong Kong.[46]
On 24 February, seven new cases were identified, including two evacuees from the cruise ship Diamond Princess quarantined in Japan, bringing the total number of cases to 81.[47]
March
Street in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic
As of 2 March, Hong Kong had reached 100 confirmed cases. Two new cases were confirmed that day which include a brother of a COVID-19 patient and a woman from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. An 88-year-old man living at a care home in Shau Kei Wan had tested "weak positive" for the virus the same day, further tests would be done to test whether he was infected.[48]
On 20 March, Hong Kong recorded 48 new coronavirus infections, the biggest daily tally since testing began, bringing the total to 256 confirmed cases. Of these cases, 36 had a travel history. Gabriel Leung, member of an expert panel on the viral outbreak, warned the public about letting down their vigilance prematurely as Hong Kong was at the "highest risk" since the start of the pandemic.[49] An article published on 25 March by the office of Chief Executive Carrie Lam warned that an increase in confirmed cases would "inevitably" occur as long as Hong Kong citizens continued to return from abroad.[50]
On 25 March, Hong Kong closed its border to all incoming nonresidents arriving from overseas. Transiting through Hong Kong was no longer allowed either. All returning residents, regardless of point of departure, were subject to the Compulsory Quarantine Order, which required all to stay at a reported quarantine premise (either home or hotel) for 14 days. Tracking devices were employed to enforce the order. All returning residents from the United States, the UK, and continental Europe were required to go through enhanced screening and submit saliva sample for COVID-19 testing.[51]
On 27 March, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam banned indoor and outdoor public gatherings of more than four people, for 14 days starting from 29 March. Other regulations enacted, which took effect at the same time, included requiring restaurants to operate at half their capacity and to set tables at least 1.5 meters apart.[52]
April
On 1 April, the Hong Kong government announced the temporary closure of karaoke lounges, nightclubs and mah-jong premises. Confusion over the government's listing of venues to be temporarily closed led the public to believe that other venues such as beauty parlors, massage parlors and clubhouses would have to be closed as well. However the government clarified that such establishments would be allowed to remain open subject to businesses providing hand sanitiser to customers, as well as requiring customers to wear a mask and have their temperature taken while inside the business venue.[53]
On Friday 3 April at 6 p.m., all pubs and bars across the territory were ordered to close for 14 days.[54]
At a press briefing on 21 April, Chief Executive Carrie Lam announced that the social distancing rules, which already been extended previously,[55] would be extended beyond 23 April by 14 days.[56] Shortly after the press briefing, the Food and Health Bureau said that the cap on the number of customers at 50 per cent capacity would be relaxed.[56]
In late April, researchers at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology said that a newly developed antiviral coating may provide up to 90 days of "significant" protection against COVID-19. The disinfectant is encapsulated in heat-sensitive polymers and released when there is human contact with a surface such as a handrail or elevator button.[57]
May
On 1 May, no major Labour Day demonstrations were authorized as the gathering limit of four persons was upheld. Police handed out 18 penalty tickets for breach of social-distancing rules at street booths and at a singalong event in a mall.[58]
Border closure controversy
The Hong Kong Government refused to close all the borders with the mainland to reduce the risk of the virus entering Hong Kong, opting instead for progressive partial closures in response to increasing public pressure. There were calls for tightening up controls and checks for visitors, especially those coming from Wuhan, the point of origin of the epidemic.[59] Medical experts had demanded mandatory health declarations at all borders and ports but they were initially rejected. Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam rejected proposals to close borders as "inappropriate and impractical", but said that mandatory declarations would be implemented.[59]
On 28 January, Lam announced that the high-speed rail link with mainland China, and all cross-border ferry services, would be suspended starting two days later.[33] Additionally, the number of flights from mainland China and cross-border bus services were reduced. Hong Kong government employees (except those providing essential/emergency services) were asked to work from home. Later on that day, the government closed two border checkpoints.[34]
As the major border checkpoints such as Lo Wu, Lok Ma Chau and Huanggang remained open, public sector health workers, as represented by Hospital Authority Employees’ Alliance – a newly formed union – decried the government measures as "too little, too late".[60] Over 400 public hospital doctors and nurses also wrote to the government, demanding border closure and also threatening strike action.[61] The union warned the government its members may go on strike in early February if the government failed to implement tighter controls on immigration.[60]
Facing continued pressure from strikers and from all parties across the political divide, Lam announced a raft of measures including six further border closures on 30 January. Lam explained her government's insistence on keeping major border crossings open conformed with the WHO's position that draconian travel and trade restrictions were unnecessary, and it was opposed to any "discriminatory move" to close borders with China or restrict access to Chinese travellers.[62] On 3 February, the government closed all but four border crossings – the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, Shenzhen Bay Port, the international airport, and the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal – and introduced further quarantine measures, but still refused closing the border with China.[63] After a union vote, three days of public hospital strikes ensued.[63] Pundits noted that after her handling of the extradition bill enactment that plunged Hong Kong into turmoil, Lam lacked the political capital to make the demand for full border closure – something the Chinese government was not inclined to accede to.[63]
Shortages
Queue to buy face masks in Hong Kong, 30 January 2020. Everybody in the line is already wearing a disposable mask.
Since the outbreak, the availability of a significant number of products including toilet paper, face masks and disinfectant products (such as alcohol and bleach) came under pressure across the city.[64] An ongoing period of panic buying has also caused many stores to be cleared of non-medical products such as bottled water, vegetables, and rice.[65]
On the professional level, the Hospital Authority reported at the end of January that stock of surgical masks for public hospitals had fallen below three-months' supply, but said it hoped to secure replenishment lasting until June. Chief Executive Carrie Lam said she had written to the State Council hoping to obtain supplies from mainland China.[66] The Government of Hong Kong had its imports of face masks cancelled as global face mask stockpiles decline.[67] As 80 per cent of surgical masks sold in Hong Kong were mainland-sourced, the considerable internal demand for masks rendered Hong Kong a lower priority.[64]
At the retail level, masks and hand sanitiser were in short supply by the end of January. Desperate citizens took to chasing supplies across town, rushing to any store where they may be available, and many pharmacies had long queues forming outside; some would queue overnight despite advice from stores.[64][66] Unsuccessful customers took out their frustrations on store staff, and disputes were widely reported; police were called on one occasion by pharmacy staff in Tin Shui Wai. Most stores had limited supplies, and customers would often face rationing.[66] In addition to toilet paper, flour became oversold as citizens took up home baking.[68]
Amidst shortages due to hoarding, the Mong Kok branch of Wellcome supermarket was robbed by armed gangs who made off with 50 packets (600 rolls) of toilet paper.[69]
In early February, after CSI masks appeared in the local marketplace, the government was called to account for the supplies of masks manufactured by inmates in local prisons under the aegis of the Correctional Services Industries. In 2019, masks were produced at a rate of 4 million in each quarter by the Correctional Services Department, and were distributed among various government departments. Media reported that the stocks within different departments were freely available to staff before the lunar new year. Due to the onset of the epidemic, they suddenly became a precious commodity in Hong Kong, and the abuse was highlighted.[70]
Following an admission that the city had failed to procure adequate supplies of PPE, the government announced support for local private mask production by subsidising each production line with grants, help in identifying suitable premises, as well as placing orders to sustain their operations.[71] An increase in mask production by Correctional Services Industries from 1.8million to 2.5million units a month is planned.[71]
Ruled out cases: 6,057 (up to 5 April 2020) Cases in hospital for investigation: 132 (up to 5 April 2020) Confirmed cases: 1039 Probable cases: 1
Asymptomatic cases: 195 (18.8% of confirmed cases) Average time from date of onset to confirm: ~6.5 days
Cases by age groups and gender
No. of cases up to 3 May noon
Ages
Hospitalised
Discharged
Deceased
Calculated
Male
Female
Male
Female
Male
Female
Total
Percentage
0 to 20
25
16
92
74
207
19.9%
21 to 30
15
18
104
94
231
22.2%
31 to 40
18
12
92
83
1
206
19.8%
41 to 50
6
6
62
45
119
11.4%
51 to 60
7
7
69
57
140
13.5%
61 to 70
11
3
40
40
1
95
9.1%
above 70
5
8
12
15
1
1
42
4.0%
Cases by area and hospitals
No. of cases up to 3 May noon
Hospital
Hospitalised
Discharged
Deceased
Island East
Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
13
108
1
Ruttonjee Hospital
5
56
Island West
Queen Mary Hospital
11
110
Kowloon Central
Queen Elizabeth Hospital
12
104
Kwong Wah Hospital
2
17
Kowloon East
United Christian Hospital
21
101
Tseung Kwan O Hospital
4
24
Kowloon West
Princess Margaret Hospital
22
106
2
Caritas Medical Centre
5
16
1
Yan Chai Hospital
9
7
North Lantau Hospital
2
New Territories East
Prince of Wales Hospital
16
81
Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital
9
36
North District Hospital
2
35
New Territories West
Tuen Mun Hospital
23
77
Pok Oi Hospital
1
1
Graphs
Daily number of new cases by month:
Number of active cases since 1 March:
Number of cases by condition:
Cases in hospital: 157
Cases pending for admission: 0
Discharged cases: 879
Deceased cases: 4
Number of cases by infection source:
Imported cases: 618 (59.4% of confirmed cases)
Local cases: 67 (6.5% of confirmed cases)
Possibly local cases: 103 (9.9% of confirmed cases)
Close contact of confirmed cases: 252 (24.2% of confirmed cases)
Impact
In view of the coronavirus outbreak, the Education Bureau closed all kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and special schools until 20 April.[73] The disruption raised concerns over the situation of students due to take examinations at the end of the year, especially in light of the protest-related disruption that happened in 2019.[74] The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education examination was postponed for four weeks from late March to late April, with HKEAA announcing that the oral component of both Chinese Language and English Language would be cancelled.[75]
On 5 February, flag carrier Cathay Pacific requested its 27,000 employees to voluntarily take three weeks of unpaid leave by the end of June. The airline had previously reduced flights to mainland China by 90% and overall flights by 30%.[76]
The arrest of dozens of pro-democracy activists and opposition politicians for protests organised and carried out during 2019 in the course of the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests, which included the arrest of 15 high-profile pro-democracy figures on 18 April,[77][78] was seen widely having been expediated by the local restrictions on demonstrations, besides the decreased international attention due to the pandemic.[79] Police have used coronavirus laws banning groups of more than four, for example, to disperse protesters outside Prince Edward station on 31 March,[80] and a 300-person singing protest in Cityplaza on 26 April.[81]
The 2002–2004 SARS outbreak was an epidemic involving severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. The outbreak was first identified in Foshan, Guangdong, China, in November 16, 2002.
The following lists events that happened during 2020 in the Republic of Singapore.
This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in Wuhan, China. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect.
This article lists evacuations conducted as a result of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic has had far-reaching consequences beyond the spread of the COVID-19 disease itself and efforts to quarantine it. As the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spread around the globe, concerns have shifted from supply-side manufacturing issues to decreased business in the services sector. The pandemic caused the largest global recession in history, with more than a third of the global population at the time being placed on lockdown.
Chen Qiushi is a Chinese lawyer, activist, and popular citizen journalist who became widely known for providing firsthand coverage of the 2019–20 Hong Kong protests and the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic which included criticism of the government response. He was last heard from on 6 February 2020; as of May 2020, his whereabouts remain unknown. The Chinese government reportedly informed Chen's family and friends that he has been detained for the purpose of COVID-19 quarantine. Critics, including media freedom groups, have expressed skepticism about government motives, and have unsuccessfully called on the government to allow outside contact with Chen.
The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, a novel infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, spread to Vietnam on 23 January 2020, when its first known case of COVID-19 was reported. As of 3 May 2020 the country had 271 confirmed cases, 219 recoveries, and no deaths. More than 261,000 tests have been performed. Hanoi is currently the most-affected city with 112 confirmed cases.
The pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had a more moderate impact in Taiwan than in many neighboring countries, with six deaths total as of 30 April 2020. The number of active cases peaked on 6 April at 307 cases.
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed to have spread to Georgia when its first case was confirmed in Tbilisi on 26 February 2020.
The 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was first manifested by a cluster of mysterious pneumonia in Wuhan, the provincial capital of Hubei, China. A Wuhan hospital notified the local center for disease control and prevention (CDC) and health commissions on December 27, 2019. On December 31, Wuhan CDC admitted that there was a cluster of unknown pneumonia cases related to Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market after the unverified documents appeared on the Internet. The potential disease outbreak soon drew nationwide attention including that of the National Health Commission (NHC) in Beijing which sent experts to Wuhan on the following day. On January 8, a new coronavirus was identified as the cause of the pneumonia. The sequence of the virus was soon published on an open-access database. Measures taken by China have been controversial. They were praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for improvements over SARS-CoV-1 responses, but maligned by many in the international community for being slow to publicly disclose key facts or deceptive about the outbreak and for aggressively censoring information relating to the outbreak and public discontent from citizens online.
National responses to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic have been varied, and have included containment measures such as lockdowns, quarantines, and curfews. As of late April, there are 2.9 million cases of COVID-19 and over 203,800 deaths in 210 countries and territories around the world. The most affected countries in terms of confirmed cases being the United States, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Turkey and China.
The first case of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic was confirmed in Nepal on 24 January 2020 in Kathmandu. The patient showed mild symptoms and had been discharged a week earlier with instructions to self-quarantine at home; he was subsequently confirmed to have completely recovered. Between January and March, Nepal took steps to prevent a widespread outbreak of the disease, while preparing for it by procuring essential supplies, equipment and medicine, upgrading health infrastructure, training medical personnel, and spreading public awareness. The second case was confirmed on 23 March 2020 in Kathmandu. As of 3 May 2020, 73 additional cases have been confirmed; affecting 14 Districts in six Provinces. The first case of local transmission was confirmed on 4 April in Kailali. Sixteen patients have been confirmed recovered. A country-wide lockdown came into effect on 24 March, and is scheduled to end on 7 May.
During the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, human rights violations including censorship, discrimination, arbitrary detention, xenophobia were reported from different parts of the world. Amnesty International has responded that "Human rights violations hinder, rather than facilitate, responses to public health emergencies, and undercut their efficiency." The World Health Organization has stated that stay-at-home measures for slowing down the pandemic must not be done at the expense of human rights.
There are no officially confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Korea, though foreign analysts believe that the virus has spread to the country. The North Korean government has taken extensive measures, including quarantines and travel restrictions, which US analyst website 38 North said appeared to be successful in containing the virus.
This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, which was first detected in Wuhan, China. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect.
This article documents the chronology of the response to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in February 2020, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect. Reporting on this outbreak began in December 2019.
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