COVID-19: 10 Milestones Of The Pandemic That Shook The World

Since the first reported case in China last year, the COVID-19 pandemic has grown to affect nearly every country on earth. The deadly virus -- which belongs to a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases -- has encroached on the daily lives of millions. With the pandemic showing no signs of ending any time soon, some countries have begun mass-inoculation campaigns to protect their citizens. There are currently more than 50 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in trials, according to World Health Organization.

As the year comes to an end, we take a look at some of the landmarks along the way:

1.China reports several cases of "unusual pneumonia" in Wuhan

China reports several cases of "unusual pneumonia" in the central city of Wuhan on December 31 last year. Several of those cases were reported at the city's Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. China, on January 11, reported its first confirmed death from the virus in central city of Wuhan. Within days, several cases of the virus started are reported from Wuhan. The city had large number of Indians, mostly students studying medicine in different Chinese universities, drawing concerns in India. The infection quickly spread beyond Wuhan and killed 100 people by the end of the month. At least 16 countries report the virus by the time. Meanwhile, some nations, including India, began to send planes to Wuhan to evacuate citizens. India confirmed its first case in Kerala on January 30 - a 20-year-old medical student who just came back from Wuhan in China.

The infection quickly spread beyond Wuhan and killed 100 people by the end of the month.

2.First 10,000 deaths

The attention of the world turns to Europe as the continent accounted for about half of the 10,000 deaths worldwide. Italy becomes the worst affected country at the time (in terms of reported fatalities) with a total of 4,032 deaths. Meanwhile, 50 new infections emerge in India by March 10. Two days later, India reported its first death - a 76-year-old man from Kalburgi, Karnataka. 

Italy was the worst affected country at the time (in terms of reported fatalities) with a total of 4,032 deaths.

3. India imposes nationwide lockdown

A nationwide lockdown is imposed in India on March 24 as infections cross 600. Facing jobloss, multitudes of migrant labourers start walking hundreds of kilometres along highways to reach their native villages. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announces a Rs 1.7 lakh crore relief package to address the economic distress. The Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana (PMGKBY)  promises free food to the "poorest of the poor", income support to farmers and unorganised sector workers.

The coronavirus lockdown forced migrant workers to walk a long way back to their homes

4. 15,000 stranded Indians return under first phase of Vande Bharat mission

On May 7, flights are sent to foreign countries to evacuate nearly 15,000 Indians under the first phase of Vande Bharat mission. The number of infections in the country have reached 50,000. The Ministry of Civil Aviation later enters into air bubble arrangements with multiple countries as regular international flights remain banned owing to the pandemic.

Over 10 lakh Indians have returned from abroad under the mission so far.

5. PM Modi announces Rs 20 lakh crore Atmanirbhar package

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces an economic relief package worth ₹ 20 lakh crore amid the coronavirus-induced nationwide lockdown which has rattled the country's economy. The package, announced on May 12, is meant to benfit industry, middle class, micro, small and medium enterprises and for large industries.

PM Modi announces economic relief package worth ₹ 20 lakh crore on May 12

6. 500,000 deaths reported globally

Over 500,000 deaths are reported worldwide by June 29 as the pandemic gathers pace. WHO revises its guidelines and advises use of masks in public to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

At the same time, lockdown restrictions were eased in some parts of the world, including India where malls, hotels, restaurants and places of worship are allowed to reopen. On June 12, India overtakes UK to become fourth worst affected country, with over 3 lakh cases.

Over 500,000 deaths are reported worldwide as the pandemic gathers pace.

7. Russia becomes first country to grant approval to a Covid vaccine

Russia grants regulatory approval to Sputnik V vaccine for civilian use. The approval comes before Phase III trials, raising doubts among global scientific community. In India, Serum Institute of India starts trials of its Covishield vaccine on August 26.

Russia grants regulatory approval to Sputnik V vaccine before Phase III trials.

8. India reports worldwide record for daily infections

India reports a record surge of 78,761 fresh coronavirus cases on August 30, taking its Covid tally past 35 lakh-mark. With the new infections, India sets a new virus record, passing the United States for the world's highest single-day rise. It takes India 213 days to cross 35 lakh cases.

India reports 78,761 infections on August 30.

9. India overtakes Brazil to emerge as second worst hit country

On September 7, India surpasses Brazil to become the second worst-hit in the world by the pandemic with a record daily spike of 90,802 cases taking the country's tally past 42 lakh. Five days later, India breaks its own record in fresh Covid-19 cases as it registers 97,570 new cases in 24 hours. On September 23, Minister of State for Railways Suresh Chanabasappa Angadi becomes the first union minister to die of coronavirus.

India reported 97,570 cases on September 12.

10.UK becomes first country to approve Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine

On December 2, the United Kingdom formally approves the Pfizer and BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, jumping ahead of the United States and Europe to become the first country in the West to formally endorse a jab. Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) grants emergency use approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine just 23 days after Pfizer published the first data from its final stage clinical trial.