Chapter 2: The first Covid year

Covid-19 timeline

31 December 2019	Chinese government confirmed that dozens of cases of pneumonia of unknown cause was being treated in Wuhan.
31 January 2020	UK registers first Covid-19 case.
6 March	First virus linked death in the UK.
12 March	First confirmed Covid-19 case in Gateshead.
16 March	Social distancing advised. People asked to work from home where 'they possibly can'.
20 March	Schools and nurseries close except for children of key workers and vulnerable children. First patient admitted to Queen Elizabeth with Covid-19.
22 March	Announcement that Clinically Extremely Vulnerable should shield.
23 March	'Stay at home' except for 'very limited proposes'. Non essential shops close. First registered Covid-19 death in Gateshead.
1 June	Phased re-opening of schools in England.
15 June	non essential shops reopen.
4 July	Further relaxing of social distancing measure including two households can meet inside and up to six people outside.
18 September	Gateshead enters tier two restrictions.
5 November to 2 December	Second national lockdown. Schools remain open.
2 December	Gateshead enters tier three restrictions.
8 December	COvid-19 vaccination roll out begins in Gateshead.
25 December	Rules relax to allow up to three households mixing on Christmas day.
6 January to 7 March 2021	Third national lack down. Schools close again except for children of critical workers and vulnerable children.
8 March	Covid-19 response step one: including schools reopen.
29 March	outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households permitted.