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Coronavirus pandemic

Igor Matovič

North Macedonia becomes a NATO member state.
Igor Matovič (pictured) becomes Prime Minister of Slovakia following elections in February.
Edwin Catmull and Pat Hanrahan receive the Turing Award for their work on computer-generated imagery.

March 29, 2020 (Sunday)

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Health and medicine

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Oceania
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New Zealand
    - New Zealand's Ministry of Health reports its first death from COVID-19, a woman in her 70s. (Newstalk ZB)

March 28, 2020 (Saturday)

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Armed conflicts and attacks

Yemeni Civil War, Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen
- In a televised address, Houthi leader Abdul-Malik Badreddin al-Houthi offers to release five Saudi prisoners of war in exchange for the release of dozens of Palestinian activists convicted by Saudi Arabia earlier this month. (Al Jazeera)
- Several ballistic missiles fired from Yemen are intercepted over the Saudi capital Riyadh, and the southern city of Jizan. (Al Jazeera)

Business and economy

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
- 2020 Hubei lockdowns
  - Wuhan, where the coronavirus pandemic first started, starts lifting their two-month lockdown by restarting some of their metro services and reopening its borders to returning residents, though outbound traffic is still restricted until April 8. (Reuters)

Disasters and accidents

Tornadoes of 2020
- A tornado strikes Jonesboro, Arkansas, causing damage to the city. (The Washington Post)

Health and environment

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Asia
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Brunei
    - Brunei reports its first death from COVID-19, a 64-year-old man, as confirmed cases rise to 115 in the country. (Reuters)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Uzbekistan
    - A 39-year-old doctor dies after he secretly underwent self-treatment for COVID-19. He was hospitalized on March 26 in grave condition. The doctor had been in contact with Uzbekistan's "patient zero". (Reuters)
  - 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
    - China reports 45 cases of COVID-19, with all but 1 involving oversea travelling. (Strait Times)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Arab Emirates
    - The United Arab Emirates reports 63 new cases of COVID-19. The country extends a curfew and disinfections to April 5. (Gulf News)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in India
    - Prime Minister Narendra Modi says India plans to turn some railway coaches, which have been idled under the country's stay-at-home order, into isolation wards for patients with coronavirus. (Reuters)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom
    - The Department of Health and Social Care reports 260 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing the United Kingdom's death toll to 1,019 with 17,089 confirmed cases. The patients included in the new figures were aged between 33 and 100 years old, with the majority being in England. (BBC)
    - The National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham and Manchester Central Convention Complex are to be converted into NHS Nightingale Hospitals. (ITV News)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Spain
    - Spain's Ministry of Health reports 832 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing the country's death toll to 5,690, as confimed cases rise to 72,248. (Reuters)
    - Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announces the cessation of all non-essential activity, leading the country to total lockdown during two weeks. (Politico)
    - Authorities in Madrid decide to stop using a Chinese rapid COVID-19 test kit, developed by Shenzhen Bioeasy Biotechnology, after research suggested it was not accurate enough with a rate of less than 30%. (NewsAu)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Russia
    - Russia announces that all borders will be closed effective March 30 to counter the spread of COVID-19. The new measure will not apply to Russian diplomats or drivers of freight trucks, among others. (Reuters)

- - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in France
    - France reports 319 new deaths from COVID-19, bringing the country's death toll to 2,314 with 37,575 confirmed cases. (Reuters)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New York
      - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo confirms that 728 people died from coronavirus in New York. (CBS News)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Michigan
      - President Donald Trump approves Michigan's request for emergency declaration. (Politico)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Canada
    - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that the country will deny flights to people who show symptoms of COVID-19. (Reuters)

International relations

China–Pakistan relations, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Pakistan
- China sends medical aid and experts to Pakistan to help them contain the coronavirus pandemic. (AP News)

Politics and elections

Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on politics
- 2020 New York Democratic primary, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New York
  - New York postpones their primary from April 28 until June 23 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (CBS News)

March 27, 2020 (Friday)

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Arts and culture

Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on cinema
- Cinema of China, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
  - China re-closes their cinemas over fears of a second coronavirus outbreak in the country. (The Guardian)
Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on religion
- Pope Francis delivers a special Urbi et Orbi blessing in an empty Saint Peter's Square, praying for the end of the coronavirus pandemic and offering a plenary indulgence to repentant sinners before San Marcello al Corso's miraculous crucifix, which was moved from its original church in Rome two days ago. (Vatican News) (Aleteia)

Business and economy

Socio-economic impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States, Economy of the United States
  - The House of Representatives passes a $2 trillion stimulus relief bill as an effort to save the economy during the coronavirus pandemic. President Donald Trump signs the bill. (CBS News) (Business Insider)

Disasters and accidents

2020 New York City Subway fire
- One person is killed and 16 people are injured, four with life-threatening injuries, after a New York City Subway caught fire near the Central Park North–110th Street station in Harlem. The fire has been treated as suspicious. (NBC News)

Health and environment

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Asia
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Uzbekistan
    - Uzbekistan reports the first death from COVID-19, a 72-year-old woman with underlying health conditions in the city of Namangan. (Reuters)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Iran
    - In Iran, 300 people die and 1,000 people become ill after drinking methanol to save themselves from COVID-19. (Star Tribune)
    - Olympic silver medalist Ehsan Haddadi tests positive for COVID-19. (ISNA)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines
    - The Philippines passes a legislation granting emergency powers to President Rodrigo Duterte as part of its measures to deal with the coronavirus pandemic as confirmed cases rise to 707. (Voice of America)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Jordan
    - Jordan reports its first death from COVID-19, a woman in her 80s, as cases rise to 235. (Reuters)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Africa
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in South Africa
    - South Africa reports its first two deaths from COVID-19, both occurring at hospitals in Western Cape province. The government also announces a 21-day lockdown as cases surpass 1,000. (Gulf News)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Italy
    - The number of people who tested positive in Italy jumps to 86,498, while the death toll rose to 9,134. Italy is the country with the highest death toll in the world and second for number of cases. (BBC)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom
    - Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19. He will self-isolate at 10 Downing Street. (BBC)
    - Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock tests positive for COVID-19. (The Guardian)
    - The Department of Health and Social Care reports 185 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing the death toll in the United Kingdom to 769. (Sky News)
    - Scientists in Oxford are expected to recruit 510 adults without COVID-19 to test a COVID-19 vaccine. (The Guardian)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Scotland, Healthcare in Scotland
      - Hospitals in Scotland are expected to get testing kits from South Korea as an effort to increase testing for COVID-19. (BBC)
    - A temporary mortuary is being built at Birmingham Airport, with capacity to hold up to 12,000 bodies as the virus spreads in the region. (The Guardian)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Russia
    - President Vladimir Putin orders that the week between 28 March and 5 April will be a nationwide paid holiday and declares the closing of all restaurants and shops during this week. (The Moscow Times)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Hungary
    - Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announces a two-week national lockdown in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Cyprus
    - Cyprus' government is set to release 50 prisoners in order to contain the spread of the virus in the island. (Cyprus Mail)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
    - New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announces that eight hospitals will be built as the number of cases in New York surge. (Reuters)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in California
      - The USNS Mercy, which has 1,000 beds, arrives in Los Angeles to offer assistance during the COVID-19 crisis. (Los Angeles Times)
  - Misinformation related to the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
    - Fox Business fires its primetime host Trish Regan after she claimed the coronavirus is a Democratic Party ploy to impeach President Donald Trump. (CNN)

International relations

China–United States relations, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
- Chinese President Xi Jinping offers advice to United States President Donald Trump on how to contain the coronavirus pandemic. (Reuters)
Accession of North Macedonia to NATO
- North Macedonia becomes the 30th member of NATO after over a year of negotiations. (Defense News)
Syria–United Arab Emirates relations
- Abu Dhabi crown prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad discusses the COVID-19 pandemic on phone. (Reuters)

Sports

Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on sports
- 2019–20 NBA season
  - The Utah Jazz announces that Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are cleared of coronavirus after becoming the first National Basketball Association players to test positive on March 11. (CBS News)

March 26, 2020 (Thursday)

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Armed conflicts and attacks

Kabul gurdwara attack
- A bomb explodes near a Sikh crematorium in Kabul, wounding a child and disrupting funerals for 25 people bombed and shot the day prior. (Times of India)
Mali War
- Malian opposition leader Soumaïla Cissé and six others are taken hostage by jihadists in the northern Tombouctou Region. Cissé's bodyguard was killed and two others injured in the ambush. (Reuters)

Health and environment

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
    - The death toll from COVID-19 in the U.S. reaches 1,200. The total number of cases in the country is 83,097. The U.S. has surpassed China in number of active cases, making it the country with the most cases in the world. (Worldometer)
    - U.S. state and local government response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic
      - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Colorado
        Colorado Governor Jared Polis issues a stay-at-home order until April 11. (Chicago Suntimes)
      - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New Hampshire
        New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu issues a stay-at-home order until May 4. (WMUR)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Oceania
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Samoa
    - Samoa begins a national lockdown announced by the Prime Minister. Those who do not comply with the law will be fined. (RNZ)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Spain
    - The Congress of Deputies approves extending the Alarm Status until 12 April. (El País)
    - Spain's Ministry of Health reports 655 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the country's death toll to over 4,000. (Reuters)
    - Real Madrid CF's Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is to be used to store medical materials. (The Guardian)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom
    - The Department of Health and Social Care reports 103 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing the death toll in the United Kingdom to 578 and 11,658 confirmed cases. (BBC)
    - An 84-year-old inmate at HMP Littlehey in Cambridgeshire has become the first UK prisoner to die from COVID-19, according to the Ministry of Justice. (The Guardian)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Republic of Ireland
    - The Republic of Ireland reports 255 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 10 more deaths, doubling the country's death toll to 19. The median age of the 19 patients who have died is 79 years old. (Metro)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in France
    - France reports 365 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the country's total to 1,696. French health authorities say 3,375 people with the virus remain in serious condition requiring life support. (France 24)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Asia
  - 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
    - China announces that travel will be suspended to the country as imported cases increase. (Newsweek)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Arab Emirates
    - The United Arab Emirates is expected to impose night curfew to tackle COVID-19 as the country begins a nationwide disinfection campaign. (Middle East Eye)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Afghanistan
    - Afghanistan is to release 10,000 prisoners over the age of 55 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Those released will not include members of the Taliban and ISIL. (Reuters)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in South America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Nicaragua
    - Nicaragua reports the country's first death from COVID-19, a patient with HIV/AIDS. (Reuters)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Venezuela
    - Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez reports the country's first death from COVID-19. (Reuters)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Africa
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Ethiopia
    - Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde pardons more than 4,000 prisoners in an attempt to prevent coronavirus spread. (CNN)

International relations

Iran–United States relations, Iraq–United States relations
- The United States Treasury Secretary imposes fresh sanctions on Iran, blacklisting 20 Iran- and Iraq-linked companies and individuals. (Reuters)
2020 G20 Riyadh summit
- World leaders convene virtually to coordinate a response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. (ABC News)
United States–Venezuela relations
- The United States Justice Department announces charges against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for drug trafficking, offering up to a $15 million award for his arrest. (CBS News) (Reuters)

Law and crime

Christchurch mosque shootings
- Brenton Tarrant pleads guilty to murdering 51 people and attempting to murder 40 as well as a terrorism charge in relation to two mass shootings in Christchurch, New Zealand, on 15 March 2019. (BBC)

Science and technology

The United States Space Force launches its first satellite into space aboard a Atlas V rocket. (CBS News)

Sports

Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on sports
- 2020 WNBA draft
  - The WNBA draft will go as planned on April 17, but will be a virtual event due to the coronavirus. (Reuters)
- The 2020 Indianapolis 500 will be delayed until August 23, marking the first time in history that the event will not be held in May. (Indianapolis Star)

March 25, 2020 (Wednesday)

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Armed conflicts and attacks

War in Afghanistan
- Kabul gurdwara attack
  - Gunmen kill 25 worshippers at a gurdwara in Kabul, Afghanistan. ISIL claims responsibility. (Reuters)
Libyan Civil War
- 2019–20 Western Libya offensive
  - Forces loyal to the GNA assault the Okba Ibn Nafa Air Base, west of Tripoli, while the Libyan National Army captures several towns near the Berber city of Zuwarah, including Zaltan, Jumayl and Ras Ajdir. (Reuters)
Terrorism in the United States
- FBI agents shoot dead an armed man during an arrest operation in Belton, Missouri, U.S. The man was suspected of plotting a bombing attack, with far-right motivations, at a Kansas City hospital believed to be treating COVID-19 patients. (ABC News) (CNN)

Arts and culture

Socio-economic impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Egypt
  - Egypt begins disinfection on the Giza pyramid complex as an effort to contain COVID-19. (Reuters)
- Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on cinema, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
  - China announces that The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Avatar, Inception, and Interstellar will be re-released in theaters following the end of their lockdowns as a hope to revive their cinemas. (CNET)

Business and economy

Socio-economic impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
  - The United States Senate and the Trump administration reaches a $2 trillion stimulus package deal following talks with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The bill passes, and is expected to go to the United States House of Representatives. (The Washington Post) (CNBC)

Disasters and accident

2020 Kuril Islands earthquake
- A magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits the Kuril Islands town Severo-Kurilsk in Russia's Far East. (Newsweek)

Health and environment

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Asia
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in India
    - India goes under a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus pandemic. (BBC News)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Palestinian territories
    - Palestine reports its first death from COVID-19 in the West Bank, the patient was a woman in her 60s. (The New Arab)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
    - The United States has its deadliest COVID-19 day to date, with 223 related deaths. (CNN)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New York (state)
      - New York City records 81 more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the city's death toll to 280. Mayor Bill de Blasio has warned that more than half of all New Yorkers could become infected. (New York Post)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Oceania
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New Zealand
    - New Zealand declares a national state of emergency as the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rise to 205. (New Zealand Herald)
  - Solomon Islands declare state of emergency due to COVID-19. (RNZ)
  - Samoan Prime Minister Tuilaepa Aiono Sailele Malielegaoi announces that people will be fined for breaking the new restrictions of movement due COVID-19. (RNZ)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Hungary
    - The Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirms that Steven Dick, a 37-year-old diplomat to their mission in Budapest, has died from COVID-19. (Yahoo News)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Spain
    - Spain surpasses China in the number of COVID-19-related deaths and becomes the country with the second-most deaths, after an increase of 738 in a single day. (Independent)
    - First Deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo tests positive for COVID-19. She was admitted to hospital on Sunday and becomes the third member of the Spanish government to be diagnosed with the virus. (CNBC)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom
    - Charles, Prince of Wales tests positive for COVID-19 while Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall tests negative; both now self-isolate due to the health classifications. (BBC)
    - The first death from COVID-19 is confirmed in the Channel Islands, an elderly patient at a hospital in Jersey. (ITV News)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in France
    - President Emmanuel Macron announces the launch of military Operation Résilience [Wikidata] and investments in their health system in an attempt to fight COVID-19. (France 24) (Euronews)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Africa
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Mali, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Guinea-Bissau
    - The first COVID-19 cases are confirmed in Mali and Guinea-Bissau. (Anadolu Agency)

Law and crime

2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Philippines
- President Rodrigo Duterte signs a law granting him special temporary powers to direct the operations of private hospitals and take over public transportation. (NPR)
Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia–Turkey relations
- Turkey indicts 20 Saudis for the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi. (The New York Times)
Transportation in Dubai, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Arab Emirates
- Dubai lifts their ban on trucks weighing 2.5 tonnes as an effort to contain COVID-19. (Gulf News)
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara is arrested by security forces on charges of murdering advertising mogul Sergiy Starytsky. (Deutche Welle)

Politics and elections

2020 Russian constitutional referendum, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Russia
- President Vladimir Putin postpones a referendum on constitutional changes that could extend his time in office for two more six-year terms because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Putin's current term runs through 2024. (BBC)
Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on politics
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Ohio
    - The Ohio Senate passes a coronavirus relief bill, which includes extending mail-in voting for the Ohio primary by April 28. (Cleveland.com)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Kosovo, Government of Kosovo
  - A motion of no confidence filed by junior coalition partner Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) against Prime Minister Albin Kurti passes with 82—32 votes, toppling the Kurti cabinet. Vetëvendosje now has 15 days to nominate a new Prime Minister. (Deutsche Welle) (The New York Times via The Indian Express) (The Guardian)

March 24, 2020 (Tuesday)

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Arts and culture

Socio-economic impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
- The Badaling section of the Great Wall of China reopens to visitors. (CNN)
Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on the 2020 Summer Olympics
- After the Summer Olympics is postponed, the Tokyo station's Olympic countdown clock displaying the number of days until the Games (a local tourist attraction) is switched to show the current date and time. (The Japan Times)

Business and economy

Socio-economic impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
  - Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on education, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Virginia
    - In Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University reopens, despite the coronavirus. (CNN)

Disasters and accidents

Mozambique people smuggling disaster
- 64 Ethiopian illegal immigrants are found dead and 14 alive inside a cargo container on a lorry in Tete Province, Mozambique, apparently having died of asphyxiation. (Al Jazeera)

Health and environment

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Asia
  - 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
    - Premier Li Keqiang says that the spread of the epidemic has been basically blocked and the outbreak controlled within China. (State Council Information Office)
    - 2020 Hubei lockdowns, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in Hubei
      - China is expected to end lockdowns on most of the Hubei province. Wuhan, the epicenter of the coronavirus, is expected to reopen on April 8. (ABC News)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in India, Indian local government response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic
    - Complete lockdowns are announced in 30 states and union territories of India in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. (The Times of India)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Saudi Arabia
    - Saudi Arabia reports the country's first death from COVID-19, as the total number of cases rises to 767. The patient was an Afghan expatriate. (Gulf News)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Oceania
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New Zealand
    - New Zealand reports 40 new cases of coronavirus. (Stuff NZ)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Australia
    - Australia announces a nationwide lockdown, outlawing all travel interstate and overseas, and closing the nation's borders. Schools remain open in some locations. (News.com.au)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Spain
    - Spain's Ministry of Health reports 514 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date. (BBC)
    - The Palacio de Hielo ice rink in Madrid begins to be used as a morgue as the city's funeral homes are not able to hold all COVID-19 victims. (CNN)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in France
    - Cameroonian musician and songwriter Manu Dibango dies from COVID-19 in Paris, France. (BBC)
    - France reports 2,444 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 240 more deaths, bringing the country's total to 22,300 cases and over 1000 deaths. (France 24)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Poland
    - The government introduces new measures over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic in the country: a ban on gatherings of more than two people, from the current 50. However, the number of people allowed to take part in religious services, including funerals, is limited to five. The new restrictions are to last until at least 11 April. (BBC)
    - Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki tells at a news conference on Tuesday that the presidential election, scheduled for 10 May, will not be affected by the coronavirus pandemic and will go ahead as planned. (TVN24)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Vatican City
    - Roman Curia confirms three more cases, raising to four. (Il Messaggero)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in South America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Chile
    - Despite a week-long lockdown, Easter Island (Rapa Nui) reports its first case of coronavirus. (CNN Chile)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Africa
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Egypt
    - Egypt declares a two-week nationwide curfew between 7pm and 6am to prevent the spread of the virus. Those who break the curfew will be fined up to 4,000 pounds or be jailed, according to Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly. (Reuters)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Libya
    - The National Centre for Disease Control reports Libya's first confirmed case of COVID-19, a patient at a hospital in Tripoli. The World Health Organization has warned that the virus could cause Libya's already struggling health system to collapse. (Reuters)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
    - U.S. Senator from Utah Mitt Romney tests negative for COVID-19, but will remain in quarantine. (The Hill)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in California
      - The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in California reaches 2,226, with 42 deaths. (Los Angeles Times)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New York
      - U.S. Vice President Mike Pence says FEMA will send 4,000 ventilators to New York in the next 48 hours. The state now has at least 20,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19. (Washington Examiner)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Michigan
      - Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan confirms nine members of the Detroit Police Department have tested positive for COVID-19, with one death, a 38-year-old male dispatcher. An additional 233 officers have been quarantined since Sunday. (MLive.com)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Florida
      - Playwright Terrence McNally dies from complications of COVID-19 in Florida. (BBC)
A man in the Chinese province of Yunnan dies after testing positive for hantavirus. (Newsweek)

International relations

South Korea–United States relations, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
- South Korea President Moon Jae-in says that President Donald Trump asked the country to send medical equipment to the United States to help fight the coronavirus. (Reuters)

Science and technology

Chinese space program
- China launches three military surveillance satellites on a Long March 2C rocket. (Space.com)

Sports

Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on the 2020 Summer Olympics
- The 2020 Summer Olympics has been postponed to 2021 in response to the coronavirus pandemic. (The Guardian)

March 23, 2020 (Monday)

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Armed conflicts and attacks

Boko Haram insurgency
- March 2020 Chad and Nigeria massacres
  - Boko Haram jihadists kill 92 soldiers at an army base in Chad. (RTÉ News and Current Affairs)
  - Boko Haram kill 70 troops in an ambush in Borno, northeastern Nigeria. (Reuters)
Islamist insurgency in Mozambique
- Islamist militants seize the port town of Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique after capturing the town's military base in an overnight attack. Residents say militants have blocked all exits in the town. The armed forces and police launch a counter-offensive. (BBC News)
Syrian civil war
- The Syrian Air Defense Force says that it intercepted a drone near Khmeimim Air Base. (Reuters)

Arts and culture

Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on cinema, 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic in mainland China
- About 500 cinemas reopen in China. (Deadline Hollywood)
Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on cinema, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Spain
- Italian actress and former beauty pageant winner Lucia Bosè dies aged 89 from pneumonia complicated by COVID-19. (Billboard)

Business and economy

Socio-economic impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Republic of Ireland, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom
  - Fast food restaurant chain McDonald's closes all of its restaurants in the United Kingdom and Ireland citing the safety of its employees and customers amid the coronavirus pandemic. (The Guardian)
- Economy of the United States, 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
  - The United States Senate votes down for a second time a stimulus relief package. (WDAF-TV) (CNBC) (The Washington Post)
  - The Federal Reserve Bank announces the commitment to buy any amount of government-backed securities needed to keep interest rates down. Among other measures being developed to support the real economy, it will also establish a special purpose vehicle allowing it to buy investment-grade corporate bonds directly. (Reuters)

Health and environment

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Oceania
  - Vanuatu puts the island of Aneityum under "temporary lockdown" after a cruise ship with a reportedly infected passenger on board visited the island. (Radio New Zealand)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New Zealand
    - New Zealand enters alert level 3 after the investigation into two assumed community-spread cases do not find any links to travel. All schools and public venues are closed. The country will enter alert level 4 on 26 March at midnight local time. (Stuff)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Fiji
    - Fiji confirms its third case of COVID-19. (FBC News)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Spain
    - Spain's Ministry of Health reports 4,000 new confirmed coronavirus cases, rising to 33,000 infected and 2,182 dead. (NBC News)
    - The Spanish Army has found elderly people abandoned and dead inside retirement homes, according to Defence Minister Margarita Robles. A criminal investigation has been launched. (BBC News)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom
    - The British Army begins Operation Rescript, to assist the UK's efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic. (The Independent)
    - The United Kingdom is placed in lockdown. The new measures close all non-essential stores and ban gatherings of more than two people. (The Guardian)
    - Downing Street says Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is the "designated survivor" to replace Prime Minister Boris Johnson if he became "incapacitated" due to COVID-19. The clarification comes after the issue was raised by MP Peter Bone. (The Independent)
    - The British government announces that ExCeL London will be turned into a 4000-bed hospital to open next week, staffed primarily by military medics. (The Guardian)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Netherlands
    - The Dutch Health Ministry reports 545 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 34 more deaths, bringing the total number of cases to 4,749 and 213 deaths. (Reuters)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Malta
    - Malta's government announces that citizens who test positive for COVID-19 and disobey self-isolation rules will be fined 10,000 euros. (Times of Malta)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Asia
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Uzbekistan
    - The government announces that a lockdown of Tashkent will begin on March 24. (The New York Times)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Myanmar
    - Myanmar reports the country's first confirmed cases of COVID-19, the patients are a 36-year-old who had travelled back from the United States and a 26-year-old returning from the United Kingdom. Panic buying is reported in the country's largest city, Yangon. (CNA)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Arab Emirates
    - Dubai closes all restaurants, cafes and food locals for two weeks. (Alarabiya in English)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Africa
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Tunisia
    - President Kais Saied orders the army to deploy in the streets to enforce a lockdown in response to the coronavirus. (Reuters)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in South Africa
    - President Cyril Ramaphosa announces a 21-day nationwide lockdown effective from March 26, to contain the coronavirus, as the number of confirmed cases rises to 402. Soldiers will be deployed to help police enforce the lockdown. (Reuters)
- 2020 coronavirus pandemic in North America
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Canada
    - Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces that Canada will spend $192M to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. (Global News)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Ontario
      - Premier Doug Ford announces that non-essential businesses in Ontario are to be shut down for at least two weeks. (National Post)
      - Mayor of Toronto John Tory declares a state of emergency for the city of Toronto. (CFTO-DT)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Quebec
      - Premier François Legault announces that non-essential businesses in Quebec are to be shut down for three weeks. (National Post)
  - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United States
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Hawaii
      - Norwegian Jewel arrives at Honolulu after cutting its trip short due to COVID-19 and mechanical problems. No positive cases were confirmed among the passengers and crew members. (ABC News)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Massachusetts
      - Governor Charlie Baker orders all businesses and organizations not providing essential services to close until April 7, effective at noon on Tuesday. Baker states that he is not issuing a stay-at-home order, saying it "doesn't make sense from a public health point of view", but has directed the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to issue a stay-at-home advisory, limiting public gatherings to 10 people or less. (WBUR-FM)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Michigan
      - Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer issues a stay-at-home order for all Michiganders except for essential services. (Fox News)
    - 2020 coronavirus pandemic in New York (state)
      - New York is expected to be the first state to test the treatment of coronavirus with blood from recovered patients. (NBC News)

International relations

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Italy
- Cuba sends doctors to Italy to fight the coronavirus. (Reuters)
United Arab Emirates–United States relations, 2019–20 Persian Gulf crisis
- The United States Marine Corps and the United Arab Emirates Armed Forces hold military exercises amid tensions with Iran. (ABC News)

Law and crime

2020 coronavirus pandemic in Ghana
- Eight people are arrested at a market in Ashaiman for violating restrictions while disinfection on the market began. (GhanaWeb)
The Pacific Gas and Electric Company is expected to plead guilty to 84 counts of manslaughter in the Camp Fire. (NBC News)
Impact of the 2019–20 coronavirus pandemic on prisons
- Rapper-turned-informant 6ix9ine requests an early prison release over fears of COVID-19. (The Daily Beast)
Capital punishment in the United States, Capital punishment in Colorado
- Colorado abolishes the death penalty and commutes sentences of death row inmates. (The New York Times)

Politics and elections

2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries
- Bernie Sanders wins the Democrats Abroad primary. (The Hill)

Science and technology

The ancestor, Ikaria wariootia, of all animals with a bilateral body plan is discovered as a fossil in rocks of South Australia. (Geology Page) (The Guardian)

More March 2020 events...

Time: 07:15 UTC|Day: 29 March