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China announced that there is a virus that is killing people which started in Beijing, China.
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China revealed that over 1700 medics fighting the coronavirus have been infected themselves. This has created a crisis of its own in the country. Overall, 67,000 global cases of coronavirus have been documented, and the first European death from the disease occurred on February 15. The US revealed that it had its fourteenth documented case. (CNN)
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On March 23, the IOC announced that the Olympics will be delayed one year, so it will take place Summer 2021. (CNN)
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On April 29, it was announced that German researchers working with US company Pfizer have begun human trials for a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine could supply millions of people by the end of the year if the trial has positive results.
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On May 26, hundreds of people in Minneapolis gathered at the intersection where George Floyd died. Floyd was being arrested after police were called for a potential forgery. During the arrest, an officer placed his knee on Floyd’s neck not moving it after he said he couldn’t breathe. He died later at the hospital. Protesters have gathered around Minneapolis. Protests erupted in cities all around America. Many peaceful protests have led to clashes with the police, resulting in riots and looting.
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By June 6, as US protests entered their 12th consecutive day, various European countries and Australia participated in Black Lives Matter protests themselves. On June 5, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a knee during BLM protests in Canada. On June 6, after a court overturned the ruling that protests are illegal due to coronavirus, over 10,000 people protested for justice in Sydney, Australia. (CNN)
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On July 3, the CDC reported that hundreds of thousands could die from coronavirus in Latin America. So far, 121,000 people have died in Latin America, but the CDC predicts that number could increase by 300,000 by October. On July 3, bars and restaurants in Brazil reopened, causing officials to fear for the worst. On July 4, after four months of quarantine, England reopened bars and pubs. Many worry this will only worsen the pandemic as weeks before, thousands flocked to beaches without masks.
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On August 12, Joe Biden announced that he has chosen Kamala Harris as his running mate. Harris is a strong advocate for diversity and equality. (BBC)
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On September 29, President Trump and presidential candidate Joe Biden had the first debate, which many think could be the last. According to CNN, the debate was filled with shouting and interruptions. The questions discussed included the pandemic, voting fraud, and climate change. (CNN)
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On October 2, President Trump and his wife, First Lady Melania, both tested positive for COVID. Following the diagnosis, the two were taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. President Trump has stated that he has developed a fever and chills, but “feels much better” after a brief stay at the hospital. On October 3, it was reported that 24 states saw a 10% increase in positive coronavirus cases.
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On November 26, President Trump continued to taut “election fraud” despite the loss of his lawsuit in Pennsylvania. Three officials stated there was no proof of election fraud, rejecting Trump’s appeal in Pennsylvania. Trump then encouraged Republican voters to go out and vote for Senate seats in Georgia. On November 27, it was reported that Biden picked up 132 more votes in Milwaukee after a Trump-requested recount. On November 30, Arizona officially certified Joe Biden’s victory. (CNN)
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On December 2, the UK officially approved the Pfizer vaccine, announcing that the first shots will be given out starting next week. The vaccine is 95% effective in preventing the worst of coronavirus. Russia began its own vaccination program in Moscow. While officials say it is 95% effective with no major side effects, it is still undergoing mass testing.
