COVID Timeline

December 31, 2019: A pneumonia of unknown cause detected in Wuhan, China, was first reported to the World Health Organization Country Office in China.

January 9, 2020: China reports first death linked to the new coronavirus.

January19, 2020: The first case of novel coronavirus is diagnosed in the United States, in Washington state.

January30, 2020: The outbreak was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization.

February1, 2020: The first case of coronavirus is confirmed in Massachusetts.

February11, 2020: Novel coronavirus disease is given the name COVID-19. It is declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.

February 28, 2020: The World Health Organization raises the global risk of the spread of COVID-19 from “high” to “very high.”

February 29, 2020: The United States has its first coronavirus-related death in Washington state.

March 6, 2020: Three people test positive after attending Biogen conference in Boston.

March 10, 2020: Governor Charlie Baker declares a state of emergency for Massachusetts.

March 13, 2020: President Donald Trump declares a national emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

March 14, 2020: Boston announces closure of K-12 schools from March 17-April 27 (later extended through May 4).

March 15, 2020: Governor Baker issues an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 people, and prohibiting on-premise consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants.

March 16, 2020: Mayor Martin J. Walsh announces a temporary construction project ban in the City of Boston.

March 20, 2020: First coronavirus-related death in Massachusetts.

March 23, 2020: Governor Baker issues an emergency order requiring non-essential businesses to close their facilities to the public.

March 24, 2020: Governor Baker files legislation for construction projects to continue statewide (construction remains banned on a cityby-city basis).

March 25, 2020: The U.S Senate unanimously passes the historic $2 trillion stimulus bill.

March 27, 2020: The U.S House of Representatives passes the $2 trillion stimulus bill, to be sent to the President to sign into law.

March 27, 2020: President Donald Trump signs a $2 trillion stimulus bill into law.