National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic#China

{{COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns}}

The pandemic has caused worldwide curfews and similar restrictions (stay-at-home orders, shelter-in-place orders, shutdowns/lockdowns) established to prevent further spread of COVID-19. The pandemic has resulted in the largest amount of shutdowns/lockdowns worldwide at the same time in history.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}} By 26 March, 1.7 billion people worldwide were under some form of lockdown,{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Sam |last2=Kassam |first2=Ashifa |title=Spain defends response to coronavirus as global cases exceed 500,000 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/spanish-coronavirus-deaths-slow-as-world-nears-500000-cases |access-date=29 March 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=19 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519053834/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/spanish-coronavirus-deaths-slow-as-world-nears-500000-cases |url-status=live }} which increased to 3.9 billion people by the first week of April — more than half of the world's population.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Half of humanity now on lockdown as 90 countries call for confinement |url=https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/02/coronavirus-in-europe-spain-s-death-toll-hits-10-000-after-record-950-new-deaths-in-24-hou |work=Euronews |date=3 April 2020 |archive-date=19 May 2020 |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519122856/https://www.euronews.com/2020/04/02/coronavirus-in-europe-spain-s-death-toll-hits-10-000-after-record-950-new-deaths-in-24-hou |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=A third of the global population is on coronavirus lockdown—here's our constantly updated list of countries and restrictions |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-on-lockdown-coronavirus-italy-2020-3 |work=Business Insider |date=28 March 2020 |archive-date=19 May 2020 |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200519030223/https://www.businessinsider.com/countries-on-lockdown-coronavirus-italy-2020-3 |url-status=live }}

{{As of|2020|04|12|alt=As of 12 April}}, nearly 300 million people, or about 90 per cent of the population, are under some form of lockdown in the United States,{{cite news |title=About 90% of Americans have been ordered to stay at home. This map shows which cities and states are under lockdown |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/us-map-stay-at-home-orders-lockdowns-2020-3 |work=Business Insider |date=2 April 2020 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930181719/https://www.businessinsider.com/us-map-stay-at-home-orders-lockdowns-2020-3 |url-status=live }} more than 50 million people are in lockdown in the Philippines,{{cite news |title=Philippines isolates hundreds of health workers as coronavirus cases rise in south-east Asia |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/23/hundreds-of-filipino-health-workers-isolated-indonesia-thailand-malaysia-singapore-cambodia-myanmar-coronavirus-cases-rise-in-south-east-asia |work=The Guardian |date=23 March 2020}} about 59 million people are in lockdown in South Africa,{{cite news |last1=Chutel |first1=Lynsey |last2=Dahir |first2=Abdi Latif |title=With Most Coronavirus Cases in Africa, South Africa Locks Down |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/world/africa/south-africa-coronavirus.html |access-date=2 April 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=14 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200514044518/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/27/world/africa/south-africa-coronavirus.html |url-status=live }} and 1.3 billion people are in lockdown in India.{{cite news |last1=Nair |first1=Supriya |title=For a billion Indians, lockdown has not prevented tragedy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/mar/29/india-lockdown-tragedy-healthcare-coronavirus-starvation-mumbai |work=The Guardian |date=29 March 2020 |archive-date=9 April 2020 |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409090708/https://www.theguardian.com/world/commentisfree/2020/mar/29/india-lockdown-tragedy-healthcare-coronavirus-starvation-mumbai |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Chaos and hunger amid India coronavirus lockdown |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/chaos-hunger-india-coronavirus-lockdown-200327094522268.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=11 May 2020 |access-date=25 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511200354/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/chaos-hunger-india-coronavirus-lockdown-200327094522268.html |url-status=live }}

{{Further|National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa}}

{{Main|Ghanaian government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana|}}

The first two cases of COVID-19 was confirmed on 12 March 2020, when two infected people came to Ghana; one from Norway and the other from Turkey.{{Cite web|last1=Duncan|first1=Jude|date=12 March 2020|title=Two cases of coronavirus confirmed in Ghana|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/03/two-cases-of-coronavirus-confirmed-in-ghana/|access-date=16 March 2020|website=Citi Newsroom|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623103452/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/03/two-cases-of-coronavirus-confirmed-in-ghana/|url-status=live}}

On 11 March, President Nana Akufo-Addo directed the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta, to make the cedi equivalent of $US100 million{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Panic-hits-social-media-as-Ghana-confirms-first-cases-of-coronavirus-893413|title=Panic 'hits' social media as Ghana confirms first cases of coronavirus|website=www.ghanaweb.com|date=13 March 2020|access-date=16 October 2020|archive-date=18 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018175438/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Panic-hits-social-media-as-Ghana-confirms-first-cases-of-coronavirus-893413|url-status=live}} available to enhance Ghana's COVID-19 preparedness and response plan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Coronavirus-MPs-to-have-temperature-tested-before-entering-chamber-Speaker-892792|title=Coronavirus: MPs to have temperature tested before entering chamber – Speaker|website=GhanaWeb|date=12 March 2020|access-date=16 October 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315105810/https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Coronavirus-MPs-to-have-temperature-tested-before-entering-chamber-Speaker-892792|url-status=live}} The Ghana COVID-19 Private Sector Fund was also initiated to aid in the fight against the pandemic.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

File:Veronica Bucket 42.jpg, a handwashing mechanism originating in Ghana. It is mounted in many open spaces and at entrances for mandatory hand-washing.]]

On 15 March, at 10 pm, President Nana Akufo-Addo banned all public gatherings including conferences, workshops, funerals, festivals, political rallies, church activities and other related events to reduce the spread of COVID-19 at a press briefing on the state of COVID-19. Basic schools, senior high schools and universities, both public and private, have also been closed. Only BECE and WASSCE candidates were permitted to remain in school under social distancing protocols.{{Cite news|last1=Nyabor|first1=Jonas|date=15 March 2020|title=Coronavirus: Government bans religious activities, funerals, all other public gatherings|work=Citi Newsroom|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/03/government-bans-church-activities-funerals-all-other-public-gatherings/|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=23 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623103656/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/03/government-bans-church-activities-funerals-all-other-public-gatherings/|url-status=live}}

The use of Veronica buckets have become very popular in Ghana following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus as citizens engage in frequent hand washing to stem its spread.{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalcommunitiesgh.org/index.php/telling-our-story/62-saving-lives-with-a-little-soap-and-water-new-behavior-change-communication-package-promotes-healthy-hygiene-practices|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326230109/https://www.globalcommunitiesgh.org/index.php/telling-our-story/62-saving-lives-with-a-little-soap-and-water-new-behavior-change-communication-package-promotes-healthy-hygiene-practices|url-status=usurped|archive-date=26 March 2020|title=Saving Lives with a Little Soap and Water: New Behavior Change Communication Package promotes healthy hygiene practices – Global Communities Ghana|website=www.globalcommunitiesgh.org|access-date=26 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/banks-in-suhum-step-up-measures-against-coronavirus-spread/ar-BB11ANUJ|title=Banks in Suhum step up measures against coronavirus spread|website=www.msn.com|access-date=27 March 2020}}

On 30 March, the partial lock down of Accra and Kumasi took effect.{{Cite news|url=https://starrfm.com.gh/2020/03/covid-19-accra-kumasi-empty-as-lockdown-takes-effect/|title=Covid-19: Accra, Kumasi empty as lockdown takes effect {{!}} Starr Fm|last1=Acheampong|first1=Kwame|newspaper=Starr Fm|date=30 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610202909/https://starrfm.com.gh/2020/03/covid-19-accra-kumasi-empty-as-lockdown-takes-effect/|url-status=live}} In April 2020, At a press briefing, the Director General of the Ghana Health Service, announced the commencement of local production of nose masks as part of efforts to arrest the spread of the pandemic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-starts-local-production-of-nose-masks-to-fight-covid-19.html|title=Ghana starts local production of nose masks to fight COVID-19|website=Graphic Online|access-date=3 April 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610202911/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-starts-local-production-of-nose-masks-to-fight-covid-19.html|url-status=live}} According to the new Executive Instrument, E.I. 164, signed by the President on 15 June 2020, people who refuse to wear face masks in public could face jail terms of between four to ten years or a fine of between GHS12,000 (approx US$2,065) and GHS60,000 (approx US$10,320) or both would be made. This came after the mandatory wearing of face masks {{Cite web|date=19 June 2020|title=Failing to wear face mask to attract hefty fine, 10-year jail term|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/06/failing-to-wear-face-mask-to-attract-hefty-fine-10-year-jail-term/|access-date=20 June 2020|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|archive-date=12 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200712182327/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/06/failing-to-wear-face-mask-to-attract-hefty-fine-10-year-jail-term/|url-status=live}}

From 3 April, over 464 markets were disinfected across the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/northern-north-east-savannah-regions-disinfect-markets.html|title=Northern, North East, Savannah regions disinfect markets|website=Graphic Online|access-date=3 April 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610202917/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/northern-north-east-savannah-regions-disinfect-markets.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/coronavirus-198-markets-in-eastern-region-disinfected.html|title=Coronavirus: 198 markets in Eastern region disinfected|website=Graphic Online|access-date=4 April 2020|archive-date=10 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610151333/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/coronavirus-198-markets-in-eastern-region-disinfected.html|url-status=live}}

The second phase of nationwide fumigation begun in July.{{Cite web|date=20 July 2020|title=COVID-19: Markets, public places in Kumasi to be disinfected on Tuesday|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/07/covid-19-markets-public-places-in-kumasi-to-be-disinfected-tomorrow/|access-date=21 July 2020|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|archive-date=21 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721100537/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/07/covid-19-markets-public-places-in-kumasi-to-be-disinfected-tomorrow/|url-status=live}} On 23 September, the MoE with GES collaborated with Zoomlion to disinfect SHS across Ghana to pave way for the reopening of schools.{{Cite web|title=3rd phase of national disinfection exercise in SHSs begins|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-3rd-phase-of-national-disinfection-exercise-in-shss-begins-2.html|access-date=23 September 2020|website=Graphic Online|archive-date=5 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211105172615/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/ghana-news-3rd-phase-of-national-disinfection-exercise-in-shss-begins-2.html|url-status=live}}

The Finance Minister claimed in his report that the Government spent about 54.3 million Ghana cedis to provide cooked and uncooked food to the vulnerable during the 3-week lockdown.{{Cite web|date=23 July 2020|title=COVID-19: GH¢54.3 million spent on food for vulnerable during lockdown|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/07/covid-19-gh%c2%a254-3-million-spent-on-food-for-vulnerable-during-lockdown/|access-date=24 July 2020|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|archive-date=24 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724043248/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/07/covid-19-gh%C2%A254-3-million-spent-on-food-for-vulnerable-during-lockdown/|url-status=live}} He also claimed Government would provide free electricity and water for the rest of 2020.{{Cite web|title=Govt announces free electricity for the rest of the year|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/govt-announces-free-electricity-for-the-rest-of-the-year.html|access-date=24 July 2020|website=Graphic Online|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125063519/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/govt-announces-free-electricity-for-the-rest-of-the-year.html|url-status=live}}

The Parliament of Ghana granted a tax waiver of GHS174 million cedis (equivalent to US$30 million) on income taxes of frontline workers. This spanned for three months from July to September 2020.{{Cite news|last=Arhinful|last2=Mensah Opoku|first=Ernest|first2=Duke|date=15 August 2020|title=Parliament approves GHS174M tax waiver for frontline health workers|work=Citi Newsroom|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/08/parliament-approves-ghs174m-tax-waiver-for-frontline-health-workers/|access-date=17 August 2020|archive-date=18 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818073224/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/08/parliament-approves-ghs174m-tax-waiver-for-frontline-health-workers/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=14 August 2020|title=Parliament approves GHS174M tax waiver for frontline health workers|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/08/parliament-approves-ghs174m-tax-waiver-for-frontline-health-workers/|access-date=15 August 2020|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|archive-date=18 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200818073224/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/08/parliament-approves-ghs174m-tax-waiver-for-frontline-health-workers/|url-status=live}} On 15 October, the MoH received a COVID-19 AI software for detecting the virus on Chest X-rays.{{Cite web|date=15 October 2020|title=GHS Gets AI Software to Enhance Covid-19 Detection|url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/ghs-gets-ai-software-to-enhance-covid-19-detection/|access-date=15 October 2020|website=DailyGuide Network|archive-date=17 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017010039/https://dailyguidenetwork.com/ghs-gets-ai-software-to-enhance-covid-19-detection/|url-status=live}}

Government also relaunched the GH COVID-19 tracker app after it was launched on 13 April.{{Cite web|title=Ghana's COVID-19 Tracker App upgraded|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/govt-re-launches-covid-19-tracker-app.html|access-date=3 September 2020|website=Graphic Online}}

Various treatment centers were built across the country such as the Ghana Infectious Disease Centre,{{Cite web|date=24 July 2020|title=Bawumia Commissions Ghana's First Infectious Disease Centre|url=https://dailyguidenetwork.com/bawumia-commissions-ghanas-first-infectious-disease-centre/|access-date=25 July 2020|website=DailyGuide Network|archive-date=25 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725142330/https://dailyguidenetwork.com/bawumia-commissions-ghanas-first-infectious-disease-centre/|url-status=live}}

to help in the National COVID-19 Treatment.{{Cite web|date=21 June 2020|title=ICU bed facilities, treatment centre to be constructed in Greater Accra, Ashanti Regions – Nana Addo|url=https://citinewsroom.com/2020/06/icu-bed-facilities-treatment-centre-to-be-constructed-in-greater-accra-ashanti-regions-nana-addo/|access-date=21 June 2020|website=Citinewsroom – Comprehensive News in Ghana|archive-date=22 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200722054526/https://citinewsroom.com/2020/06/icu-bed-facilities-treatment-centre-to-be-constructed-in-greater-accra-ashanti-regions-nana-addo/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus: Government to expand isolation centers|url=https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/coronavirus-government-to-expand-isolation-centers.html|access-date=3 July 2020|website=Graphic Online|archive-date=4 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704214634/https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/coronavirus-government-to-expand-isolation-centers.html|url-status=live}}

Ghana became the first country to use drone aircraft in the fight against the pandemic through the transport of COVID-19 test samples.{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ghana-using-drones-to-transport-covid-19-tests/|title=In Ghana, Drones Are Turning Out to Be a Key Tool for Transporting COVID-19 Tests|website=Global Citizen|date=3 June 2020|access-date=3 June 2020|archive-date=31 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731110823/https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/ghana-using-drones-to-transport-covid-19-tests/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/20/zipline-begins-drone-delivery-of-covid-19-test-samples-in-ghana.html|title=Zipline begins drone delivery of COVID-19 test samples in Ghana|website=CNBC|date=20 April 2020|access-date=20 April 2020|archive-date=21 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200421130652/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/04/20/zipline-begins-drone-delivery-of-covid-19-test-samples-in-ghana.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.pri.org/stories/2020-04-23/fight-against-coronavirus-ghana-uses-drones-speed-testing?amp|title=In fight against Coronavirus, Ghana uses drones to speed up testing|website=The World|access-date=23 April 2020|archive-date=24 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424231450/https://www.pri.org/stories/2020-04-23/fight-against-coronavirus-ghana-uses-drones-speed-testing?amp|url-status=live}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Namibia}}

On 17 March President Hage Geingob declared a state of emergency as a legal basis to restrict fundamental rights. The prohibition of large gatherings was clarified to apply to 50 or more people.{{Cite news | title=Govt raises Covid-19 surveillance | last=Ngatjiheue | first=Charmaine | newspaper=The Namibian | date=18 March 2020 | page=1 | url=https://www.namibian.com.na/89346/read/Govt-raises-Covid-19-surveillance | archive-date=3 April 2020 | access-date=7 November 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403220722/https://www.namibian.com.na/89346/read/Govt-raises-Covid-19-surveillance | url-status=live }} Measures such as the closure of all borders, suspension of gatherings were implemented.{{Cite web|title=Namibia declares State of Emergency due to COVID-19 {{!}} United Nations in Namibia|url=https://namibia.un.org/en/38970-namibia-declares-state-emergency-due-covid-19|access-date=15 June 2020|website=namibia.un.org|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615144305/https://namibia.un.org/en/38970-namibia-declares-state-emergency-due-covid-19|url-status=live}} All public and private schools were also closed for a month.{{Cite news | title=Namibia battles coronavirus | last=Shikongo | first=Arlana | newspaper=The Namibian | date=16 March 2020 | page=1 | url=https://www.namibian.com.na/89251/read/Namibia-battles-coronavirus | access-date=7 November 2020 | archive-date=21 March 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321054406/https://www.namibian.com.na/89251/read/Namibia-battles-coronavirus | url-status=dead }} By 14 April, a National lockdown was enforced to all regions in the country.{{Cite news|last=Ngutjinazo|first=Okeri|date=15 April 2020|title=Informal sector gets lifeline|page=1|newspaper=The Namibian|url=https://www.namibian.com.na/90233/read/Informal-sector-gets-lifeline|archive-date=16 April 2020|access-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200416170956/https://www.namibian.com.na/90233/read/Informal-sector-gets-lifeline|url-status=live}}

A COVID-19 communication hotline (0800100100) was established on 15 March 2020 which is run by the Ministry of Health and Social Services and the Centre for Disease Control of Namibia (CDC).{{Cite web|title=Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia|url=https://www.facebook.com/MoHSSNamibia/posts/496359114370430|access-date=18 June 2020|website=www.facebook.com|archive-date=5 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205092426/https://www.facebook.com/MoHSSNamibia/posts/496359114370430|url-status=live}} The hotline serves to answer general enquiries of the public, assisting persons seeking guidance from the Ministry and reporting possible symptoms or cases of COVID-19.{{Cite web|title=Ministry of Health and Social Services-Namibia|url=https://www.facebook.com/MoHSSNamibia/photos/a.352433165429693/498259134180428/?type=3|access-date=18 June 2020|website=www.facebook.com|archive-date=14 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214021844/https://www.facebook.com/MoHSSNamibia/photos/a.352433165429693/498259134180428/?type=3|url-status=live}}

The Government also announced on 18 March that it will strengthen their communication to the public via various platforms, such as the COVID-19 communication centre operated by NBC, in an attempt to "mitigate and refute misinformation, fear and panic especially from social media". The centre was fully functional by middle April 2020.{{Cite web|title=Namibia launches COVID-19 Communication Centre|url=https://www.afro.who.int/news/namibia-launches-covid-19-communication-centre|access-date=18 June 2020|website=WHO {{!}} Regional Office for Africa|archive-date=18 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618132519/https://www.afro.who.int/news/namibia-launches-covid-19-communication-centre|url-status=live}}

With the establishment of a multi-disciplinary Emergency Response team, the Ministry intensified their surveillance in monitoring the situation of COVID-19 in the country, especially at the borders of Namibia. The response team operates 24/7.

Before the confirmation of COVID-19 in Namibia, tests could not be done locally. Test samples were instead sent to South Africa, which accounted for longer than usual waiting times. The Namibian Institute of Pathology (NIP) started testing locally in Windhoek at the end of March 2020. In late April, private laboratory PathCare started testing samples. Namibia was hit by a lack of reagents at the end of April, which slowed down testing however, private testing at PathCare was expensive compared to that of the state (NIP) which offers free COVID-19 tests.{{Cite web|last=Marketing|first=Intouch Interactive|title=Pathcare to test locally for corona - Health - Namibian Sun|url=https://www.namibiansun.com/news/pathcare-to-test-locally-for-corona2020-04-27|access-date=18 June 2020|website=www.namibiansun.com|date=28 April 2020|archive-date=9 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200509131245/https://www.namibiansun.com/news/pathcare-to-test-locally-for-corona2020-04-27|url-status=live}}

An Emergency Income Grant was set up by government to distribute N$ 750 to every person whose income was affected by the pandemic or faced difficult conditions due to the lockdown. Over 800,000 people applied for this grant; 346,000 of them were paid by the end of April.{{Cite news|last=Ikela|first=Selma|date=30 April 2020|title=Lockdown: 4 potential exit strategies|page=1|newspaper=New Era|url=https://neweralive.na/posts/lockdown-4-potential-exit-strategies|archive-date=7 April 2022|access-date=7 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407085312/https://neweralive.na/posts/lockdown-4-potential-exit-strategies|url-status=live}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa}}

{{Expand section|date=April 2020}}

{{multiple image

| width = 160

| footer = Greenmarket Square in Cape Town, South Africa seven days before (left) and on the first day (right) of the COVID-19 national lockdown. After the lockdown the market stall traders that normally setup on the square everyday are not present and only people exempt from the lockdown (security personnel and municipal employees) can be seen.

| image1 = Greenmarket square 20200320.jpg

| alt1 = Greenmarket Square as it normally appears with many market stalls, seven days before the lockdown.

| caption1 =

| image2 = Greenmarket Square 20200327.jpg

| alt2 = On the first day of the lockdown only people exempt from the lockdown (security personnel and sanitation workers) can be seen.

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}}

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that South Africa would undergo a national lockdown, for a period of 21 days, from 26 March to 16 April 2020. This drastic measure was intended to help keep the viral infection rate as low as possible and save lives.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-03-23-south-africa-on-lockdown-from-thursday/|title=National Address: South Africa on lockdown from Thursday|first=Cyril|last=Ramaphosa|website=Daily Maverick|date=23 March 2020|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327011345/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-03-23-south-africa-on-lockdown-from-thursday/|url-status=live}} On Thursday 9 April, President Ramaphosa announced an extension of two weeks to the lockdown, until the end of April.{{Cite web|url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/388743/south-africas-coronavirus-lockdown-extended-by-2-weeks/|title=South Africa's coronavirus lockdown extended by 2 weeks|first=Cyril|last=Ramaphosa|website=BusinessTechSA|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417091618/https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/388743/south-africas-coronavirus-lockdown-extended-by-2-weeks/|url-status=live}} Exempt from the lockdown are people deemed necessary for the effective response to the pandemic such as health workers, pharmacy and laboratory personnel, emergency personnel,{{cite web|url=https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/essential-services-remain-place-sa-enters-lockdown|title=Essential services to remain in place as SA enters lockdown|date=23 March 2020|website=SAnews|access-date=27 March 2020|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324052129/https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/essential-services-remain-place-sa-enters-lockdown|url-status=live}}{{cite web

|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-03-23-this-is-who-is-exempt-from-national-lockdown-and-what-will-be-closed/

|title=This is who is exempt from national lockdown – and what will be closed

|website=TimesLIVE

|access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326225213/https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-03-23-this-is-who-is-exempt-from-national-lockdown-and-what-will-be-closed/

|url-status=live

}}

security services,{{cite web

|url=https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/your-21-day-national-house-imprisonment-order--ndz

|title=Your 21 day national house imprisonment order – NDZ – DOCUMENTS

|website=politicsweb.co.za

|publisher=GOVERNMENT GAZETTE 25 March 2020

|via=Politicsweb

|url-status=live

|access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327100512/https://www.politicsweb.co.za/documents/your-21-day-national-house-imprisonment-order--ndz

}} supermarkets, transportation and logistical services, petrol stations, banks, essential financial as well as payment services and those working in industries that can affect the economy when shut down. This include mines and steel mills.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) started testing people in South Africa for SARS-CoV-2 on 28 January 2020, and by 7 February had conducted 42 of such tests.{{cite web

|url=https://www.nicd.ac.za/novel-coronavirus-update/

|title=COVID-19 update

|date=7 February 2020

|publisher=NICD

|access-date=9 April 2020

|archive-date=28 April 2020

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428235851/https://www.nicd.ac.za/novel-coronavirus-update/

|url-status=live

}} State hospitals were offering free COVID-19 testing by mid-March.{{Cite news

|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-03-19-maverick-insider-covid-19-questions-answered/

|title=Coronavirus Explainer: Maverick Insider Covid-19 Questions, Answered

|author=Ferial Haffajee

|author2=Maverick Citizen

|author3=Maverick Insider Team

|website=Daily Maverick

|date=19 March 2020

|access-date=1 May 2020

|archive-date=2 August 2020

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200802085834/https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-03-19-maverick-insider-covid-19-questions-answered/

|url-status=live

}}

On 30 March 2020, the government announced its intentions of initiating an enhanced screening and testing programme.{{cite web

|url=https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-update-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-30-mar-2020-0000

|title=President Cyril Ramaphosa: Update on Coronavirus COVID-19 lockdown

|publisher=South African Government

|date=30 March 2020

|access-date=11 April 2020

|archive-date=11 April 2020

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411145835/https://www.gov.za/speeches/president-cyril-ramaphosa-update-coronavirus-covid-19-lockdown-30-mar-2020-0000

|url-status=live

}}

By the start of April, 67 mobile testing units had been established and {{val|47000}} people had been tested, some in drive-through facilities.{{cite web

|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52125713

|website=BBC News

|title=South Africa's ruthlessly efficient fight against coronavirus

|last1=Harding

|first1=Andrew

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403092330/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-52125713

|archive-date=3 April 2020

|date=3 April 2020

|url-status=live}}

On 17 March 2020, the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority announced that it would expedite review of treatments, vaccines and clinical trials.{{cite web

|url=http://www.sahpra.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Report-Shortages_FINAL_17March.pdf

|title=SAHPRA responds to coronavirus (COVID-19): Medicines/medical devices supply challenges

|date=17 March 2020

|access-date=17 April 2020

|publisher=South African Health Products Regulatory Authority

|archive-date=28 July 2020

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728232147/http://www.sahpra.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Report-Shortages_FINAL_17March.pdf

|url-status=live

}}

A team from 8 universities and 14 hospitals led by Helen Rees and Jeremy Nel from the University of the Witwatersrand participated in the World Health Organization Solidarity Clinical Trials that investigated medications.{{Cite web

|url=https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2020/04/01/covid-19-sa-to-start-enrolling-patients-in-landmark-who-trial/

|title=COVID-19: SA to start enrolling patients in landmark WHO trial

|date=1 April 2020

|last=Baleta

|first=Adele

|website=Spotlight

|access-date=4 May 2020

|archive-date=29 June 2020

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629185633/https://www.spotlightnsp.co.za/2020/04/01/covid-19-sa-to-start-enrolling-patients-in-landmark-who-trial/

|url-status=live

}}

A COVID-19 vaccine trial was launched in Gauteng province, towards the end of June 2020 in collaboration with the Jenner Institute, University of Oxford and AstraZeneca.{{Cite web|title=First COVID-19 vaccine trials begin in Africa|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2020/06/25/first-covid-19-vaccine-trials-begin-in-africa.html|access-date=12 July 2020|website=The Week|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728230927/https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2020/06/25/first-covid-19-vaccine-trials-begin-in-africa.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|last=Karim|first=Aisha Abdool|date=17 September 2020|title=COVID vaccines 101: Breaking down the good, the bad, and the promise of the frontrunners|url=https://bhekisisa.org/article/2020-09-17-covid-vaccines-101-breaking-down-the-good-the-bad-and-the-promise-of-the-frontrunners/|access-date=20 September 2020|website=Bhekisisa|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920014156/https://bhekisisa.org/article/2020-09-17-covid-vaccines-101-breaking-down-the-good-the-bad-and-the-promise-of-the-frontrunners/|url-status=live}}

A second vaccine trial was launched during mid August 2020 in collaboration with a US Maryland based biotechnology company, Novavax, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.{{Cite web|date=17 August 2020|title=Coronavirus Vaccine Trial By MD Biotech Company Novavax Underway In South Africa|url=https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/08/17/novavax-initiates-covid-19-vaccine-trial-in-south-africa/|access-date=18 August 2020|archive-date=17 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817184716/https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/08/17/novavax-initiates-covid-19-vaccine-trial-in-south-africa/|url-status=live}} A third vaccine trial was launched in September 2020 by Johnson & Johnson/Janssen.

{{div col|colwidth=15em}}

• 25px Algeria
• 25px Angola
• 25px Benin
• 25px Botswana
• 25px Burkina Faso
• 25px Burundi
• 25px Cameroon
• 25px Canary Islands
• 25px Cape Verde
• 25px Central African Republic
• 25px Chad
• 25px Congo, Democratic Republic of the
• 25px Congo, Republic of the
• 25px Djibouti
• 25px Egypt
• 25px Equatorial Guinea
• 25px Eritrea
• 25px Eswatini
• 25px Ethiopia
• 25px Gabon
• 25px Gambia
• 25px Guinea
• 25px Guinea-Bissau
• 25px Ivory Coast
• 25px Kenya
• 25px Liberia
• 25px Libya
• 25px Madagascar
• 25px Malawi
• 25px Mali
• 25px Mauritania
• 25px Mauritius
• 25px Mayotte
• 25px Morocco
• 25px Mozambique
• 25px Niger
• 25px Nigeria
• {{Flagdeco|Réunion}} Réunion
• 25px Rwanda
• 25px São Tomé and Príncipe
• 25px Senegal
• 25px Seychelles
• 25px Sierra Leone
• 25px Somalia
• 25px South Sudan
• 25px Sudan
• 25px Tanzania
• 25px Togo
• 25px Tunisia
• 25px Uganda
• {{Noflag|Western Sahara}}
• 25px Zambia
• 25px Zimbabwe

{{div col end}}

{{Excerpt|Chinese government response to COVID-19}}

Due to its zero-COVID policy, China’s economy continued to squeeze. However, on 11 November 2022, the government eased the restrictions, while claiming to continue the war against the pandemic. The government reduced the quarantine restrictions from 10 days to eight, where travelers were required to spend five days instead of seven in a hotel quarantine and three at home. Besides, the airlines were also exempted from a penalty for bringing in COVID positive travelers.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/11/business/china-zero-covid-markets.html |title=China Eases Some Pandemic Policies, While Sticking to 'Zero Covid' |work=The New York Times |date=11 November 2022 |access-date=11 November 2022 |last1=Stevenson |first1=Alexandra |archive-date=11 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221111090928/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/11/business/china-zero-covid-markets.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/11/china-covid-rules-quarantine-periods|title=China eases Covid rules but insists 'war' against pandemic will continue|access-date=11 November 2022|website=The Guardian|date=11 November 2022 |last1=Yu |first1=Verna }}

{{Main|Indian government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|Indian state government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic|COVID-19 lockdown in India}}

The Indian government airlifted 324 of its citizens from China on 31 January and 1 February via Air India special chartered flights.{{Cite web|url=https://qz.com/india/1803713/air-india-pilot-recalls-wuhan-coronavirus-evacuation-mission/|title=Air India pilot recalls the "deathly quiet" in Wuhan amidst coronavirus evacuation|last=Sharma|first=Niharika|website=Quartz India|date=18 February 2020|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318003324/https://qz.com/india/1803713/air-india-pilot-recalls-wuhan-coronavirus-evacuation-mission/|url-status=live}} After Pakistan's refusal to evacuate its students from Wuhan, the Indian government offered to support them with evacuation along with citizens of other neighbouring countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-had-offered-to-evacuate-pakistani-students-from-coronavirus-hit-wuhan-jaishankar-tells-rajya-sabha-1644278-2020-02-07|title=India had offered to evacuate Pakistani students from coronavirus-hit Wuhan, Jaishankar tells Rajya Sabha|website=India Today|access-date=9 March 2020|last3=Ist|first3=2020 18:50|archive-date=8 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200208182857/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/india-had-offered-to-evacuate-pakistani-students-from-coronavirus-hit-wuhan-jaishankar-tells-rajya-sabha-1644278-2020-02-07|url-status=live}} On 17 February, India announced a special C-17 Globemaster flight carrying medical supplies to support China in Wuhan and evacuating citizens of India and neighbouring countries. India eventually evacuated 647 people including citizens of Maldives and Bangladesh.{{Cite news|last=Chaudhury|first=Dipanjan Roy|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/china-delaying-permission-to-india-to-send-flight-carrying-relief-materials-to-wuhan/articleshow/74252370.cms?from=mdr|title=Chinese wall stopping evacuation of Indian nationals from Wuhan|date=22 February 2020|work=The Economic Times|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193257/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/china-delaying-permission-to-india-to-send-flight-carrying-relief-materials-to-wuhan/articleshow/74252370.cms?from=mdr|url-status=live}}

On 15 March, after a video conference of SAARC leaders, PM Narendra Modi allocated ₹74 crore (US$10 million) of funds classified as COVID-19 Emergency Fund for the SAARC countries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/saarc-video-conference-live-we-evacuated-1-400-indians-from-different-countries-says-modi-11584273185030.html|title=PM Modi proposes Covid-19 emergency fund to SAARC leaders, offers $10 mn|date=15 March 2020|website=Livemint|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=29 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529030721/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/saarc-video-conference-live-we-evacuated-1-400-indians-from-different-countries-says-modi-11584273185030.html|url-status=live}}

As a precautionary measure, India closed all of its international land borders on 16 March.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/NewinstructionsDt14032020Restirctiononinternationalpassengertraffic.pdf|title=NewinstructionsDt14032020Restirctiononinternationalpassengertraffic.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319061749/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/NewinstructionsDt14032020Restirctiononinternationalpassengertraffic.pdf|archive-date=19 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.mohfw.gov.in/GuidelinesDT13032020.pdf|title=GuidelinesDT13032020.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323075951/https://www.mohfw.gov.in/GuidelinesDT13032020.pdf|archive-date=23 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020}} On 22 March, India locked down places where cases had been confirmed—82 districts in 22 states and Union Territories—until 31 March,{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/82-districts-under-lockdown-over-covid-19-what-s-open-and-what-is-shut/story-c1AEMZXuuXN6FvmrAdRvsJ.html|title=82 districts under lockdown over Covid-19: What is shut and where|date=23 March 2020|website=Hindustan Times|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323193602/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/82-districts-under-lockdown-over-covid-19-what-s-open-and-what-is-shut/story-c1AEMZXuuXN6FvmrAdRvsJ.html|url-status=live}} although essential services and commodities were to continue.{{cite news|last1=Jagannath|first1=J.|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-lockdown-to-start-at-6-am-monday-until-31-march-kejriwal-11584881955813.html|title=Delhi lockdown to start at 6 am Monday, until 31 March: Kejriwal|date=22 March 2020|work=Livemint|access-date=22 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331123001/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/delhi-lockdown-to-start-at-6-am-monday-until-31-march-kejriwal-11584881955813.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/lockdown-in-west-bengal-from-5pm-today-government-to-shut-down-non-essentials/articleshow/74766599.cms|title=Lockdown in West Bengal: From 5pm today, government to shut down non-essentials|date=23 March 2020|work=The Times of India|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324062933/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/lockdown-in-west-bengal-from-5pm-today-government-to-shut-down-non-essentials/articleshow/74766599.cms|url-status=live}} 80 cities including major cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur, Varanasi and Raipur were also put under lockdown.{{cite news|last1=Gunasekar|first1=Arvind|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-covid-19-80-cities-across-india-go-into-lockdown-till-march-31-what-it-means-2198894|title=Coronavirus: 80 Cities Across India Go Into Lockdown Till March 31. What It Means|date=23 March 2020|work=NDTV|access-date=23 March 2020|last2=Bhattacharji|first2=Chetan|archive-date=4 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104225852/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/coronavirus-covid-19-80-cities-across-india-go-into-lockdown-till-march-31-what-it-means-2198894|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Marpakwar|first1=Prafulla|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/poor-public-response-pushed-govt-to-declare-lockdown-in-mumbai/articleshow/74766049.cms|title=Poor public response pushed govt to declare lockdown in Mumbai|date=23 March 2020|work=The Times of India|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193258/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/poor-public-response-pushed-govt-to-declare-lockdown-in-mumbai/articleshow/74766049.cms|url-status=live}}

On 24 March, the government announced a nationwide lockdown to be in effect for 21 days from 25 March until 14 April.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52024239|title=India's 1.3bn population told to stay at home|date=25 March 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=25 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193259/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52024239|url-status=live}} This lockdown included Indian Railways, the biggest employer in India; it was the first shutdown of the trains in 167 years.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/05/asia/indian-railways-coronavirus-hospitals-intl-hnk/index.html|title=India has closed its railways for the first time in 167 years. Now trains are being turned into hospitals|last=Ramaprasad|first=Hema|date=6 April 2020|website=CNN|access-date=6 April 2020|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417020454/https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/05/asia/indian-railways-coronavirus-hospitals-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia|2020 Indonesia large-scale social restrictions}}

Many Indonesians criticised the government for a slow response and downplaying the pandemic. WHO, Australian government, and United States embassy in Indonesia have expressed their doubts about the Indonesian government's response to the pandemic.{{cite web |author1=BERITASATU |title=We Don't Cover Things Up, Indonesia Says Amid Doubts Over Its Covid-19 Handling |url=https://jakartaglobe.id/news/we-dont-cover-things-up-indonesia-says-amid-doubts-over-its-covid19-handling |website=Jakarta Globe |date=28 February 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-date=8 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608222245/https://jakartaglobe.id/news/we-dont-cover-things-up-indonesia-says-amid-doubts-over-its-covid19-handling |url-status=live }}

The governor of West Sumatra province, Irwan Prayitno faced backlash for accepting 174 tourists from China to the province. 174 Chinese tourists from Kunming arrived at Minangkabau International Airport at Padang Pariaman Regency as Citilink adds Padang – Kunming route. Prayitno received further backlash after welcoming the group of tourists himself at the airport and giving them a "grand welcome" with a cultural parade. The move angered local residents who demanded the governor return the group to China.{{cite web |last1=Nasution |first1=Rahmad |title=174 Chinese tourists visit West Sumatra amid fear of coronavirus |url=https://en.antaranews.com/news/140319/174-chinese-tourists-visit-west-sumatra-amid-fear-of-coronavirus |website=Antara News |date=26 January 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-date=6 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406004853/https://en.antaranews.com/news/140319/174-chinese-tourists-visit-west-sumatra-amid-fear-of-coronavirus |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=150 Turis China Disambut Gubernur Sumbar, Warga Protes di Medsos, Begini Penjelasannya |url=https://bali.tribunnews.com/2020/01/28/150-turis-china-disambut-gubernur-sumbar-warga-protes-di-medsos-begini-penjelasannya |website=Tribun Bali |language=id-ID |date=28 January 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-date=1 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501024312/https://bali.tribunnews.com/2020/01/28/150-turis-china-disambut-gubernur-sumbar-warga-protes-di-medsos-begini-penjelasannya |url-status=live }}

Health experts are concerned that the country is failing to identify the transmission of the virus.{{cite web | url=https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/02/29/lets-not-kid-ourselves-indonesia-is-unlikely-to-be-covid-19-free-and-thats-not-our-biggest-problem.html | title=Let's not kid ourselves. Indonesia is unlikely to be COVID-19-free. And that's not our biggest problem. | work=The Jakarta Post | date=29 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | last=Hermawan | first=Ary | archive-date=28 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528004012/https://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2020/02/29/lets-not-kid-ourselves-indonesia-is-unlikely-to-be-covid-19-free-and-thats-not-our-biggest-problem.html | url-status=live }} Marc Lipsitch, professor of epidemiology at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, "analysed air traffic out of the Chinese city at the centre of the outbreak in China and suggested in a report ... that Indonesia might have missed cases" of coronavirus.{{cite news |access-date=8 April 2020 |first1=Karen |last1=McVeigh |first2=Emma |last2=Graham-Harrison |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/14/indonesia-coronavirus-academic-harvard-marc-lipsitch |title=Academic stands by research querying Indonesia's claim to be coronavirus-free |date=14 February 2020 |newspaper=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=11 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811211719/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/14/indonesia-coronavirus-academic-harvard-marc-lipsitch |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/reported-cases-coronavirus-indonesia-200218112232304.html | title=Why are there no reported cases of coronavirus in Indonesia? | access-date=2 March 2020 | website=aljazeera.com | archive-date=28 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728232303/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/reported-cases-coronavirus-indonesia-200218112232304.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/02/19/indonesia-coronavirus-screening-may-miss-virus-carriers/ | title=Indonesian Screening May Be Missing Virus Carriers | access-date=2 March 2020 | last=Firdaus | first=Febriana | date=19 February 2020 | archive-date=10 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710221543/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/02/19/indonesia-coronavirus-screening-may-miss-virus-carriers/ | url-status=live }} Western diplomats{{cite web | url=https://www.merdeka.com/dunia/kekhawatiran-as-dan-negara-barat-soal-penanganan-corona-di-indonesia.html | title=Kekhawatiran AS dan Negara Barat Soal Penanganan Corona di Indonesia | work=Merdeka.com | date=28 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | last=Pandasurya | first=Wijaya | language=id | archive-date=28 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728225741/https://www.merdeka.com/dunia/kekhawatiran-as-dan-negara-barat-soal-penanganan-corona-di-indonesia.html | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://nasional.kontan.co.id/news/kedutaan-besar-negara-barat-cemas-dengan-penanganan-virus-corona-di-Indonesia | title=Kedutaan besar negara Barat cemas dengan penanganan virus corona di Indonesia | work=Kontan | date=27 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | editor=S.S. Kurniawan | language=id | archive-date=13 April 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413215621/https://nasional.kontan.co.id/news/kedutaan-besar-negara-barat-cemas-dengan-penanganan-virus-corona-di-indonesia | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.kompas.com/tren/read/2020/03/01/090000165/nol-kasus-perdana-menteri-australia-ragukan-penanganan-virus-corona-di | title=Nol Kasus, Perdana Menteri Australia Ragukan Penanganan Virus Corona di Indonesia | work=Kompas.com | date=1 March 2020 | access-date=2 March 2020 | author=Nur Rohmi Aida | language=id | archive-date=28 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728225614/https://www.kompas.com/tren/read/2020/03/01/090000165/nol-kasus-perdana-menteri-australia-ragukan-penanganan-virus-corona-di | url-status=live }} as well as local{{cite web | url=https://jakartaglobe.id/news/we-dont-cover-things-up-indonesia-says-amid-doubts-over-its-covid19-handling | title=We Don't Cover Things Up, Indonesia Says Amid Doubts Over Its Covid-19 Handling | work=Jakarta Globe | date=28 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | archive-date=8 June 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200608222245/https://jakartaglobe.id/news/we-dont-cover-things-up-indonesia-says-amid-doubts-over-its-covid19-handling | url-status=live }} and international{{cite web | url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/02/19/indonesia-coronavirus-screening-may-miss-virus-carriers/ | title=Indonesian Screening May Be Missing Virus Carriers | work=Foreign Policy | date=19 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | last=Firdaus | first=Febriana | archive-date=10 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710221543/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/02/19/indonesia-coronavirus-screening-may-miss-virus-carriers/ | url-status=live }}{{cite magazine | url=https://time.com/5792180/southeast-asia-undetected-coronavirus/ | title=A Silent Epidemic? Experts Fear the Coronavirus Is Spreading Undetected in Southeast Asia | magazine=Time (magazine) | date=28 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | last=Barron | first=Laignee | archive-date=25 May 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200525210220/https://time.com/5792180/southeast-asia-undetected-coronavirus/ | url-status=live }}{{cite web | first1=Randy | last1=Mulyanto | url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/reported-cases-coronavirus-indonesia-200218112232304.html | title=Why are there no reported cases of coronavirus in Indonesia? | work=Al Jazeera | date=18 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | last2=Firdaus | first2=Febriana | archive-date=28 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728232303/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/02/reported-cases-coronavirus-indonesia-200218112232304.html | url-status=live }} news outlets postulated that the lack of cases within Indonesia result from inadequate testing and under reporting, as opposed to sheer luck and divine intervention.{{cite web | url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3051068/we-owe-it-god-indonesia-prays-how-it-keeping | title='We owe it to God': as Indonesia prays, how is it keeping the coronavirus at bay? | work=South China Morning Post | date=18 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | last=Cochrane | first=Joe | archive-date=8 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708191245/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3051068/we-owe-it-god-indonesia-prays-how-it-keeping | url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-indonesia/indonesia-says-lack-of-coronavirus-cases-a-blessing-from-god-idUSKCN20L1DL | title=Indonesia says lack of COVID-19 cases a blessing from God | work=Reuters | date=27 February 2020 | access-date=29 February 2020 | last=Da Costa | first=Agustinus Beo | archive-date=28 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728225324/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-indonesia/indonesia-says-lack-of-coronavirus-cases-a-blessing-from-god-idUSKCN20L1DL | url-status=live }}

The government faced a backlash after instead pledging to set aside IDR 72 billion ($5m) to pay for social media influencers to attract tourists to Indonesia.{{cite news |title='Rp 72 Miliar Untuk Influencer': Cara Indonesia Merespon Virus Corona |trans-title='Rp 72 Billion for Influencers': How Indonesia Responds to the Coronavirus |url=https://www.tempo.co/abc/5348/rp-72-miliar-untuk-influencer-cara-indonesia-merespon-virus-corona |access-date=4 March 2020 |work=Tempo |date=28 February 2020 |language=id |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728233741/https://www.tempo.co/abc/5348/rp-72-miliar-untuk-influencer-cara-indonesia-merespon-virus-corona |url-status=dead }}

Indonesian president Joko Widodo has been criticised by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry,{{Cite web|url=https://katadata.co.id/berita/2020/03/03/cegah-kepanikan-pengusaha-minta-pemerintah-jujur-soal-virus-corona|title=Cegah Kepanikan, Pengusaha Minta Pemerintah Jujur Soal Virus Corona – Katadata.co.id|date=3 March 2020|website=katadata.co.id|language=id|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=4 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304175305/https://katadata.co.id/berita/2020/03/03/cegah-kepanikan-pengusaha-minta-pemerintah-jujur-soal-virus-corona|url-status=live}} human rights groups,{{Cite web|url=https://nasional.tempo.co/read/1319111/komnas-ham-minta-pemerintah-terbuka-soal-virus-corona|title=Komnas HAM Minta Pemerintah Terbuka Soal Virus Corona|last=Persada|first=Syailendra|date=13 March 2020|website=Tempo|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329075859/https://nasional.tempo.co/read/1319111/komnas-ham-minta-pemerintah-terbuka-soal-virus-corona|url-status=live}} and by political parties including Golkar and Partai Keadilan Sejahtera{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20200313070528-20-483043/pks-minta-pemerintah-lebih-terbuka-soal-corona|title=PKS Minta Pemerintah Lebih Terbuka soal Corona|website=nasional|language=id-ID|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728232739/https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20200313070528-20-483043/pks-minta-pemerintah-lebih-terbuka-soal-corona|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://news.detik.com/berita/d-4937624/daerah-sumber-corona-harus-diungkap-golkar-dorong-pemerintah-transparan|title=Daerah Sumber Corona Harus Diungkap, Golkar Dorong Pemerintah Transparan|last=Zhacky|first=Mochamad|website=detiknews|language=id-ID|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728234024/https://news.detik.com/berita/d-4937624/daerah-sumber-corona-harus-diungkap-golkar-dorong-pemerintah-transparan|url-status=live}} for a lack of transparency regarding the information on COVID-19. Widodo has insisted not to share with the travel history details of patients tested positive with COVID-19 in an attempt to reduce panic and uneasiness in the general public.{{Cite web|url=https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/03/13/16163481/jokowi-akui-pemerintah-rahasiakan-sejumlah-informasi-soal-corona|title=Jokowi Akui Pemerintah Rahasiakan Sejumlah Informasi soal Corona|last=Media|first=Kompas Cyber|website=KOMPAS.com|date=13 March 2020|language=id|access-date=14 March 2020|archive-date=28 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728231134/https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2020/03/13/16163481/jokowi-akui-pemerintah-rahasiakan-sejumlah-informasi-soal-corona|url-status=live}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Iran}}

File:Disinfection of Tehran subway wagons against coronavirus 2020-02-26 09.jpg wagons against COVID-19]]

Iran reported its first confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infections on 19 February 2020 in Qom, where according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Education, both had died later that day.{{cite web |title=Coronavirus Arrives in Iran: Two People Test Positive in Qom |url=http://irangov.ir/detail/334964 |website=irangov.ir |date=19 February 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193416/http://irangov.ir/detail/334964 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Iran Confirms 3 New Coronavirus Cases |url=http://irangov.ir/detail/335028 |website=irangov.ir |date=20 February 2020 |access-date=6 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193419/http://irangov.ir/detail/335028 |url-status=live }}

Early measures announced by the government included the cancellation of concerts and other cultural events,{{cite web |url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iranian-doctors-call-for-long-holiday-to-contain-coronavirus-outbreak/30449047.html |title=Iranian Doctors Call For 'Long Holiday' To Contain Coronavirus, As Sixth Victim Dies |website=Radio Farda |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |date=22 February 2020 |access-date=8 March 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313144756/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iranian-doctors-call-for-long-holiday-to-contain-coronavirus-outbreak/30449047.html |url-status=live }} sporting events,{{cite web|url=https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1669982/%D9%84%D8%BA%D9%88-%D9%87%D9%85%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%B2%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2|title=لغو همه مسابقات ورزشی به مدت ۱۰ روز|website=varzesh3.com|language=fa|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-date=17 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217211439/https://www.varzesh3.com/news/1669982/%D9%84%D8%BA%D9%88-%D9%87%D9%85%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%B3%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%B2%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%AA-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2|url-status=live}} and Friday prayers,{{cite news|last=Gambrell|first=Jon|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/saudi-arabia-halts-travel-to-islams-holiest-site-over-virus%2f2020%2f02%2f26%2fc86ec712-5918-11ea-8efd-0f904bdd8057_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227122634/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/saudi-arabia-halts-travel-to-islams-holiest-site-over-virus/2020/02/26/c86ec712-5918-11ea-8efd-0f904bdd8057_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 February 2020|title=Iran news agencies report Friday prayers canceled in Tehran|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=The Washington Post}} closure of universities, higher education institutions and schools,{{cite web|url=https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-announces-closure-of-universities-schools-to-fight-coronavirus/30449711.html|title=Iran Announces Closure Of Universities, Schools As Coronavirus Death Toll Rises|website=Radio Farda|publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty|date=23 February 2020|access-date=8 March 2020|archive-date=15 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200515011641/https://en.radiofarda.com/a/iran-announces-closure-of-universities-schools-to-fight-coronavirus/30449711.html|url-status=live}} and allocated 5 trillion rials to combat the virus.{{cite web|url=https://www.jamaran.news/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%84-182/1363201-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B5-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7|title=اختصاص 530 میلیارد تومان به وزارت بهداشت برای مقابله با کرونا|website=پایگاه خبری جماران – امام خمینی – انقلاب اسلامی|language=fa|access-date=23 February 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315091035/https://www.jamaran.news/%D8%A8%D8%AE%D8%B4-%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%81%D8%A7%DB%8C%D9%84-182/1363201-%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%AA%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%B5-%D9%85%DB%8C%D9%84%DB%8C%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%A8%D9%87-%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA-%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%A7%DB%8C-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%87-%D8%A8%D8%A7-%DA%A9%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86%D8%A7|url-status=live}} President Hassan Rouhani said on 26 February 2020 that there were no plans to quarantine areas affected by the outbreak, and only individuals would be quarantined.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51651454|title=Coronavirus: Iran has no plans to quarantine cities, Rouhani says|date=26 February 2020|publisher=BBC|archive-date=26 February 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226194202/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51651454|url-status=live}} However, Shia shrines in Qom remained open to pilgrims.{{cite news|first1=Ramin|last1=Mostaghim|first2=Mostafa|last2=Salem|first3=Tamara|last3=Qiblawi|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/26/middleeast/iran-coronavirus-intl/index.html|title=Iran was already struggling with one crisis. Now it has the worst coronavirus pandemic in the Middle East|date=26 February 2020|publisher=CNN|archive-date=26 February 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226200703/https://edition.cnn.com/2020/02/26/middleeast/iran-coronavirus-intl/index.html|url-status=live}}

Iran became a center of the spread of the virus after China.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/world/middleeast/coronavirus-iran.html |title='Recipe for a Massive Viral Outbreak': Iran Emerges as a Worldwide Threat |date=24 February 2020 |work=The New York Times |author1=David D. Kirkpatrick |author2=Farnaz Fassihi |author3=Mujib Mashal |archive-date=12 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312121420/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/24/world/middleeast/coronavirus-iran.html |url-status=live }} Amidst claims of a cover-up of the extent of the outbreak in the country,{{cite news|author1=Sam Jones|author2=Aamna Mohdin|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/coronavirus-dead-in-iranian-city-of-qom|title=Coronavirus: Iran denies cover-up as six deaths reported in Italy|work=The Guardian|date=24 February 2020|archive-date=24 February 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224153012/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/feb/24/coronavirus-dead-in-iranian-city-of-qom|url-status=live}} over ten countries have traced their cases back to Iran, indicating that the extent of the outbreak may be more severe than that admitted by the Iranian government.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/how-iran-became-a-new-epicenter-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak|title=How Iran Became A New Epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic|last1=Wright|first1=Robin|date=24 February 2020|magazine=The New Yorker|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303213444/https://www.newyorker.com/news/our-columnists/how-iran-became-a-new-epicenter-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Coronavirus pummels Iran leadership as data show spread is far worse than reported|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/coronavirus-pummels-iran-leadership-as-data-show-spread-is-far-worse-than-reported/2020/03/04/7b1196ae-5c9f-11ea-ac50-18701e14e06d_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=4 March 2020|author1=Erin Cunningham|author2=Dalton Bennett|archive-date=14 March 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314195629/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/coronavirus-pummels-iran-leadership-as-data-show-spread-is-far-worse-than-reported/2020/03/04/7b1196ae-5c9f-11ea-ac50-18701e14e06d_story.html|url-status=live}} The Iranian Parliament was shut down, with 23 of the 290 members of parliament reported to have had tested positive for the virus on 3 March.{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/8-percent-iran-parliament-has-coronavirus-it-released-54000-prisoners-2020-3|title=8% of Iran's parliament has the coronavirus, and it released 54,000 prisoners as the country descends into chaos|last=Haltiwanger|first=John|website=Business Insider|access-date=4 March 2020|archive-date=18 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518072233/https://www.businessinsider.com/8-percent-iran-parliament-has-coronavirus-it-released-54000-prisoners-2020-3|url-status=live}} A number of senior government officials as well as two members of parliament have died from the disease.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51801968 |title=Virus hits highest levels of Iran's government |author=Tse Yin Lee |date=9 March 2020 |work=BBC |archive-date=10 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310164820/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-51801968 |url-status=live }}

File:13981205000415637181505100958241 نشست خبری سخنگوی دولت.jpg (left) at a press conference after which he tested positive for the virus.]]

Iranians criticized government authorities for proceeding with elections while the disease was spreading and closing secular spaces while keeping shrines open, especially in the Shia holy city of Qom.{{cite news|title= The Iranian regime risks exacerbating the outbreak of covid-19|url= https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/02/24/the-iranian-regime-risks-exacerbating-the-outbreak-of-covid-19|newspaper= The Economist|date= 24 February 2020|archive-date= 14 January 2024|access-date= 22 April 2020|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240114073547/https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2020/02/24/the-iranian-regime-risks-exacerbating-the-outbreak-of-covid-19|url-status= live}} Asif Shuja of the National University of Singapore's Middle East Institute suggested that "the fact that Iran reported deaths on the same day as its first infections right before its parliamentary elections 'can compel anyone' that there has been a cover-up".{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/02/irans-coronavirus-updates-cannot-entirely-be-trusted-expert-says.html|title=Iran's coronavirus updates cannot 'entirely' be trusted, expert says|website=cnbc|date=2 March 2020|access-date=2 March 2020|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303042553/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/03/02/irans-coronavirus-updates-cannot-entirely-be-trusted-expert-says.html|url-status=live}} Scrutiny has also been targeted at the government's unwillingness to implement area-wide quarantine measures like those implemented by China and Italy, with Iranian officials calling quarantines "old-fashioned."{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51628484|title=Top Iran health official gets virus as fears grow|date=25 February 2020|work=BBC News|access-date=25 February 2020|archive-date=3 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303072933/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-51628484|url-status=live}} There have been concerns that the Iranian government's official counts were an underestimate.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/27/who-says-coronavirus-entered-iran-unseen-and-undetected-warns-outbreak-could-be-even-worse.html|title=WHO says coronavirus entered Iran 'undetected,' warns outbreak could be worse than is known|last=Feuer|first=William|date=27 February 2020|publisher=CNBC|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227234411/https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/27/who-says-coronavirus-entered-iran-unseen-and-undetected-warns-outbreak-could-be-even-worse.html|url-status=live}} The WHO's director-general, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that "the WHO has its "own mechanism" for checking facts and has not seen problems with Iran's reported figures".

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Japan}}

{{Expand section|date=April 2020}}

On 27 February 2020, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe requested that all Japanese elementary, junior high, and high schools close until early April to help contain the virus.{{cite news|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/02/c3c57bbce11d-breaking-news-govt-will-ask-all-schools-in-japan-to-shut-for-virus-fears-abe.html|title=PM Abe asks all schools in Japan to temporarily close over coronavirus|work=Kyodo News|archive-date=17 April 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417115752/https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2020/02/c3c57bbce11d-breaking-news-govt-will-ask-all-schools-in-japan-to-shut-for-virus-fears-abe.html|url-status=live}}

The outbreak led to concern for the 2020 Summer Olympics which was scheduled to take place in Tokyo starting at the end of July.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Tokyo 2020 could be postponed to end of year – Japan's Olympic minister |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/51717839 |work=BBC News |date=3 March 2020 |archive-date=21 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321030049/https://www.bbc.com/sport/olympics/51717839 |url-status=live }} The Japanese government took extra precautions to help minimise the outbreak's impact.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus could see the Tokyo Olympics cancelled. Is Japan's handling of the outbreak to blame? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-03/coronavirus-will-the-diamond-princess-sink-japans-olympics-dream/12015202 |publisher=ABC News |date=3 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |access-date=10 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193309/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-03/coronavirus-will-the-diamond-princess-sink-japans-olympics-dream/12015202 |url-status=live }} The government and the International Olympic Committee negotiated a postponement of the Summer Olympics to 2021.{{cite news |title=Tokyo 2020 Olympics officially postponed until 2021 |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/28946033/tokyo-olympics-officially-postponed-2021 |publisher=ESPN |date=24 March 2020 |archive-date=13 April 2020 |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413110951/https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/28946033/tokyo-olympics-officially-postponed-2021 |url-status=live }}

{{See also|COVID-19 pandemic in Japan#Controversies and criticisms}}

Foreign Policy and The Guardian reported that relations between Japan and South Korea worsened, as South Korea criticized Japan's "ambiguous and passive quarantine efforts". On 5 March, Japan announced that it would strengthen quarantine for new entrants from China and South Korea and add some areas of Iran to the target area. The Chinese authorities showed their understanding of the decision, but the Japanese media and South Korean government criticized it. The Japanese media said that the decision was too late because they were too careful with China, and the Korean government turned it into a political issue.{{cite news |title=Coronavirus quarantine plans ignite row between South Korea and Japan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/06/coronavirus-quarantine-plans-ignite-row-between-south-korea-and-japan |work=The Guardian |date=6 March 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308134434/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/06/coronavirus-quarantine-plans-ignite-row-between-south-korea-and-japan |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Japan and Korea Won't Let A Pandemic Stop Them Fighting |url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/12/japan-and-korea-wont-let-a-pandemic-stop-them-fighting/ |work=Foreign Policy |date=12 March 2020 |archive-date=25 April 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425204235/https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/12/japan-and-korea-wont-let-a-pandemic-stop-them-fighting/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.sankeibiz.jp/macro/news/200305/mca2003051511012-n1.htm|title=事実上、中国人と韓国人の入国を制限 イランも新たに対象|date=5 March 2020|website=SankeiBiz|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172848/https://www.sankeibiz.jp/macro/news/200305/mca2003051511012-n1.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/335084|title=世界的な感染拡大､政府の対応は後手後手に|date=6 March 2020|publisher=東洋経済|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=23 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423205612/https://toyokeizai.net/articles/-/335084|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/26062 |title=新型コロナウイルス 日本の入国制限に韓国猛反発|date=8 March 2020|publisher=FNNプライム|language=ja|access-date= 6 June 2020}}

Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has been criticized for a perceived delayed response. Critics have observed that while Japan announced the first case of infection on 28 January, it took until 17 February for the Health Ministry to inform the public on how to reach public screening centers and 25 February, for the government to issue a "basic policy" on outbreak response.

The strict constraints on testing for the virus by Japanese health authorities have drawn accusations from critics such as Masahiro Kami, a hematologist and director of the Medical Governance Research Institute but not an infectious disease expert, towards Abe of wanting to "downplay the number of infections or patients because of the upcoming Olympics."{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

But the fact-checking in some media later reported to proved that it was fake news that 'the number of infected people was being reduced for the Olympics by the government.'{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20200328/k00/00m/040/090000c|title=新型コロナ「五輪延期後に検査急増」は本当か 「感染隠蔽」説を検証すると…|date=28 March 2020|website=Mainichi Shimbun|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=2 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502234153/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20200328/k00/00m/040/090000c|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jp/yutochiba/tokyo-olympics-pcr|title=「五輪延期決定で検査を抑制する必要がなくなった」は誤り。検査人数が変動した事実はなし|date=31 March 2020|website=BuzzFeed News|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172827/https://www.buzzfeed.com/jp/yutochiba/tokyo-olympics-pcr|url-status=live}}

Reports that only a small select number of public health facilities were authorized to test for the virus, after which the results could only be processed by five government-approved companies, has created a bottleneck where clinics have been forced to turn away even patients who had high fevers.

This has led some experts to question Japan's official case numbers, with Tobias Harris, of Teneo Intelligence in Washington, D.C. stating "You wonder, if they were testing nearly as much as South Korea is testing, what would the actual number be? How many cases are lurking and just aren't being caught?"{{Cite news|last1=Dooley|first1=Ben|last2=Rich|first2=Motoko|last3=Inoue|first3=Makiko|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/world/asia/japan-elderly-coronavirus.html|title=In Graying Japan, Many Are Vulnerable but Few Are Being Tested|date=29 February 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=29 February 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200402014130/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/29/world/asia/japan-elderly-coronavirus.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-29/japan-s-abe-plans-second-virus-package-of-270-billion-yen|title=Japan's Abe Seeks to Defuse Virus Criticism With Cash, Testing|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=29 February 2020|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|access-date=29 February 2020|url-access=subscription|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229164719/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-02-29/japan-s-abe-plans-second-virus-package-of-270-billion-yen|url-status=live}}

As mentioned above, there were many articles criticizing the small number of PCR tests in Japan compared to South Korea, mainly in the Japanese and Korean media.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/pyonjiniru/20200319-00168688/|title=20代の感染者は日本の69人に対して韓国は2301人! PCR検査数の差か？|date=19 March 2020|website=Yahoo!ニュース|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172825/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/pyonjiniru/20200319-00168688/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/pyonjiniru/20200305-00166210/|title=感染者もPCR検査も韓国は日本の17倍!韓国の感染者急増はPCR検査数の差?|date=5 March 2020|website=Yahoo!ニュース|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172836/https://news.yahoo.co.jp/byline/pyonjiniru/20200305-00166210/|url-status=live}}

However, the number of PCR tests in Japan at that time was actually not small at all. According to data released by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare the Japanese authorities conducted PCR tests of 10,205 as of 13 and 15 March 655 as of 17 March, except for those returning from China by charter flight and passengers on the cruise ship. The number of tests in Japan appears to be small compared to 320,000 in China, 250,000 in South Korea, 86,000 in Italy, and 77,000 in Russia. However, only 30,000 in the UK, 16,000 in Taiwan, and the United States had a higher number of tests than Japan except for that four countries. In terms of population ratio, the ranking was lower, but the number of tests in Japan was still at the average level.{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.jp/post-209620|title=日本のPCR検査は十分か?の疑問を徹底解説。新型コロナウイルス診断現場の実情|date=18 March 2020|website=Business Insider|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=2 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502102756/https://www.businessinsider.jp/post-209620|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://data.wingarc.com/covid-19-tests-25207|title=データでみる世界各国の新型コロナウイルスの検査状況!|date=18 March 2020|website=データのじかん|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172831/https://data.wingarc.com/covid-19-tests-25207|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200318/k10012338031000.html |title=新型コロナウイルスの検査 世界の検査数は？ 日本の現状は？ |date=18 March 2020 |website=NHK |language=ja |access-date=7 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318100245/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/html/20200318/k10012338031000.html |archive-date=18 March 2020 |url-status=dead }}

The quarantine measures on the cruise ship Diamond Princess has also been criticised, even though there is no obligation under the international law to accept port calls for Japan and except for Japanese nationals on board, there is no obligation in Japan to treat all passengers, and the treatment is a good faith act, and the quarantine was the exercise of provisions in accordance with international and domestic laws.{{Cite news|url=https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/25085|title=ダイヤモンド・プリンセス号で現場対応した橋本厚労副大臣が語る"真相"|date=23 March 2020|work=FNNプライム|access-date=7 June 2020|language=ja|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172825/https://www.fnn.jp/articles/-/25085|url-status=live}} But Kentaro Iwata, an infectious disease professor at Kobe University Hospital, said that "the condition aboard was completely chaotic" and "violating all infection control principles". Dr. Yoshihiro Takayama, a member of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare who helped Iwata board the ship, said that Iwata had fight with DMAT members about his separate action and was forced to disembark in two hours, so he just looked around the lounge.{{cite web|url=https://news.biglobe.ne.jp/domestic/0220/blnews_200220_6019516149.html|title=クルーズ船の告発動画、岩田教授を手引した高山医師が事実や誤りを解説|date=20 February 2020|website=BIGLOBE|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=6 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606172848/https://news.biglobe.ne.jp/domestic/0220/blnews_200220_6019516149.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://hi-hyou.com/archives/9250|title=新型肺炎：岩田健太郎教授の告発に反論した高山義浩医師（沖縄県立中部病院）の正論|date=20 February 2020|website=批評.COM|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=12 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200612201239/https://hi-hyou.com/archives/9250|url-status=live}}

A preliminary report by Japan's National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) estimated that most of the transmission on the ship had occurred before the quarantine, based on the first 184 cases.{{cite web |url= https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/02/20/national/coronavirus-diamond-princess-before-quarantine/ |last1= Yoshida |first1= Reiji |title= COVID-19 spread on Diamond Princess before quarantine, report suggests |date= 20 February 2020 |website= Japan Times |access-date= 6 June 2020 |archive-date= 20 February 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200220142701/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2020/02/20/national/coronavirus-diamond-princess-before-quarantine/ |url-status= live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.nhk.or.jp/special/plus/articles/20200507/index.html|title=調査報告クルーズ船 ウイルス対策のカギは?|date=7 May 2020|website=NHK|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=12 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512211816/https://www.nhk.or.jp/special/plus/articles/20200507/index.html|url-status=dead}}

On 22 February, the Health Ministry admitted that 23 passengers were disembarked without being properly tested for the virus.

On 23 February, a Japanese woman who tested negative before disembarking from the cruise ship later tested positive after returning to her home in Tochigi Prefecture. She was not among the 23 passengers. Many passengers who were negative in the PCR test were tested positive after disembarking.{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN2Q7HF0N2QUTIL01L.html|title=クルーズ船下船の乗客に陽性反応 船内検査では陰性|date=22 February 2020|website=Asahi Shimbun|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=5 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505070645/https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN2Q7HF0N2QUTIL01L.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASN375RLFN37UBUB00B.html|title=クルーズ船の60代乗客が感染 陽性→2度の陰性→陽性|date= 7 March 2020|website=Asahi Shimbun|language=ja|access-date= 6 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO55906320R20C20A2AM1000/|title=豪乗客2人が帰国後陽性 陰性のクルーズ客、下船終了へ|date=21 February 2020|website=The Nikkei|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729031008/https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO55906320R20C20A2AM1000/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://bungeishunju.com/n/n49b0c5bedd39|title=ルポ 豪華客船「船内隔離」14日間の真実|date=10 March 2020|website=文藝春秋digital|language=ja|access-date=6 June 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729001241/https://bungeishunju.com/n/n49b0c5bedd39|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Philippine government response to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

The first COVID-19 death outside China occurred in the Philippines on 1 February.{{Cite news|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/02/20/ph-records-first-death-due-to-new-coronavirus|title=First novel coronavirus death outside China recorded in PH – WHO official|date=3 February 2020|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=11 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200311061021/https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/02/20/ph-records-first-death-due-to-new-coronavirus|url-status=live}}

On 9 March 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte suspended classes in all levels in Metro Manila from 10 to 15 March.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/253913-new-confirmed-novel-coronavirus-cases-march-9-2020|title=Duterte announces 4 more novel coronavirus cases in PH|date=9 February 2020|work=Rappler|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193310/https://www.rappler.com/nation/253913-new-confirmed-novel-coronavirus-cases-march-9-2020|url-status=live}} The class suspension in Metro Manila was extended to 12 April, following the decision of concerned authorities to raise the COVID-19 alert level in the country to Code Red Sublevel 2. Work in the executive branch of the government was also suspended for the same period as part of the Stringent Social Distancing Measures in the National Capital Region (NCR),{{Cite news|url=https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/releases/1036193|title=Statement of Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Code Red Sublevel 2|date=12 March 2020|work=Philippine Information Agency|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193312/https://pia.gov.ph/press-releases/releases/1036193|url-status=live}} with the directive for the concerned government agencies to form skeletal forces to ensure the delivery of basic services. Congress and the Judiciary were encouraged to do the same. Agencies providing law enforcement services, health services, and emergency services were enjoined to continue to operate at full capacity.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

Other salient directives, contained in a resolution adopted by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and announced by the Philippine President on 12 March, at the Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace,{{Cite news|url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036195|title=PRRD orders 'stringent social distancing measures' in NCR|date=12 March 2020|work=Philippine Information Agency|access-date=13 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193319/https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1036195|url-status=live}} included, the prohibition of mass gatherings that could strain the resources of the host community, imposition of community quarantine over Metro Manila, and encouragement of flexible work arrangements for the private sector among others.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

A memorandum containing the guidelines for stringent social distancing measures and the management of COVID-19 in the National Capital Region{{Cite news|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/03/13/memorandum-from-the-executive-secretary-on-stringent-social-distancing-measures-and-further-guidelines-for-the-management-of-the-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-situation/|title=Memorandum from the Executive Secretary On Stringent Social Distancing Measures and Further Guidelines for the Management of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Situation|date=13 March 2020|work=Official Gazette GOV.PH|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193316/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/03/13/memorandum-from-the-executive-secretary-on-stringent-social-distancing-measures-and-further-guidelines-for-the-management-of-the-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-situation/|url-status=dead}} was issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea by order of the president on 13 March. Among the directives embodied in the memorandum were suspension of classes and all school activities until 14 April, prohibition of mass gatherings, imposition of strict social distancing during essential meetings and religious activities, and provisions for alternative and/or flexible work arrangements.{{fact|date=August 2022}}

On 16 March, the president signed Proclamation No. 929{{Cite news|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/03/16/proclamation-no-929-s-2020/|title=Proclamation No. 929 s. 2020 Declaring a State of Calamity Throughout the Philippines due to Corona Virus Disease 2019|date=17 March 2020|publisher=Official Gazette GOV.PH|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193321/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/03/16/proclamation-no-929-s-2020/|url-status=dead}} declaring a state of calamity throughout the country for a period of six months, bringing into effect the price control of basic needs and commodities, granting of interest-free loans, distribution of calamity funds and hazard allowance for public health workers and government personnel in the fields of science and technology.{{Cite news|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/laginghanda/dagling-paliwanag-ano-ang-state-of-calamity/|title=Dagling Paliwanag: Ano ang State of Calamity?|publisher=Official Gazette GOV.PH|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193323/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/laginghanda/dagling-paliwanag-ano-ang-state-of-calamity/|url-status=dead}}

President Duterte also placed the island of Luzon (including its associated islands) under enhanced community quarantine on 16 March{{Cite news|url=https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines/videos/cnn-philippines-special-coverage-president-rodrigo-duterte-orders-enhanced-commu/515691529377942/|title=CNN PHILIPPINES SPECIAL COVERAGE: President Rodrigo Duterte orders 'enhanced community quarantine' in Luzon|date=16 March 2020|publisher=CNN Philippines|work=Facebook|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327065602/https://www.facebook.com/CNNPhilippines/videos/cnn-philippines-special-coverage-president-rodrigo-duterte-orders-enhanced-commu/515691529377942/|url-status=live}} that further restricted the movement of people through the suspension of mass public transport and the closure of non-essential establishments. Business Process Outsourcing and export-oriented businesses were allowed to continue operation subject to certain conditions. Relevant government agencies were ordered to provide social amelioration measures.{{Cite news|url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/03/16/memorandum-from-the-executive-secretary-on-community-quarantine-over-the-entire-luzon-and-further-guidelines-for-the-management-of-the-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-situation/|title=Memorandum from the Executive Secretary On Community Quarantine Over the Entire Luzon and Further Guidelines for the Management of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation|date=16 March 2020|work=Official Gazette GOV.PH|access-date=17 March 2020|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927152020/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/03/16/memorandum-from-the-executive-secretary-on-community-quarantine-over-the-entire-luzon-and-further-guidelines-for-the-management-of-the-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19-situation//|url-status=dead}} Following the sharp increase of confirmed cases, President Duterte called Congress to a special session to "authorize the President to exercise powers necessary to carry out urgent measures to meet the current national emergency related to the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)."{{Cite news|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097429|title=Duterte seeks 'more powers,' urgent measures vs. Covid-19|date=22 March 2020|work=Philippine News Agency|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323031230/https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1097429|url-status=live}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in South Korea}}

The first confirmed case of COVID-19 was identified with a 35-year-old Chinese woman on 20 January. The first South Korean national to be infected occurred three days later was a 55-year-old man who worked in Wuhan and returned for a checkup with flu symptoms. The two infection reports were publicly released on 24 January. The sixth patient was the first case in South Korea who had never visited Wuhan. The 56-year-old man caught the virus when visiting a restaurant with the third patient.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}

File:Coronavirus Jongno 1.jpg

A woman, who had returned from Thailand after a five-day vacation, was tested positive and confirmed as the sixteenth case on 4 February.{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/coronavirus-south-korean-woman-travelling-home-from-thailand-tests-positive-for-virus|title=Coronavirus: South Korean woman travelling home from Thailand tests positive for virus|date=4 February 2020|website=The Straits Times|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200204092646/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/coronavirus-south-korean-woman-travelling-home-from-thailand-tests-positive-for-virus|archive-date=4 February 2020|access-date=4 February 2020}} Three more cases were confirmed on 5 February, bringing the total case count to 19. The seventeenth and nineteenth patients had attended a conference in Singapore and been in contact with an infected person there.{{cite web|url=http://yna.kr/AEN20200205002356320|title=3 More Virus Cases Bring S. Korea's Total to 19, Two Confirmed after Trip to Singapore|date=5 February 2020|website=Yonhap|access-date=5 February 2020|archive-date=1 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501180912/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200205002356320|url-status=live}} The very same day the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Korea (KCDC) announced that the second patient had been released from hospital after being tested negative in consecutive tests, becoming the country's first COVID-19 patient to fully recover.{{Cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200205006252320|title=S. Korea Releases First Fully Recovered Coronavirus Patient from Hospital|date=5 February 2020|work=Yonhap News Agency|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200205133506/https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20200205006252320|archive-date=5 February 2020|access-date=5 February 2020}}

On 19 February, the number of confirmed cases increased by 20. On 20 February 70 new cases were confirmed,{{cite news|last1=Shin|first1=Hyonhee|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-southkorea-cases/like-a-zombie-apocalypse-residents-on-edge-as-coronavirus-cases-surge-in-south-korea-idUSKBN20E04F|title='Like a zombie apocalypse': Residents on edge as coronavirus cases surge in South Korea|date=20 February 2020|access-date=20 February 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200220113906/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-southkorea-cases/like-a-zombie-apocalypse-residents-on-edge-as-coronavirus-cases-surge-in-south-korea-idUSKBN20E04F|archive-date=20 February 2020|work=Thomson Reuters|last2=Cha|first2=Sangmi|trans-title=|url-access=}} giving a total of 104 confirmed cases, according to the KCDC. According to Reuters, KCDC attributed the sudden jump to 70 cases linked to "Patient No. 31", who had participated in a gathering in Daegu at the Shincheonji Church of Jesus the Temple of the Tabernacle of the Testimony.

On 20 February, the streets of Daegu were empty in reaction to the Shincheonji outbreak. A resident described the reaction, stating "It's like someone dropped a bomb in the middle of the city. It looks like a zombie apocalypse." The first death was reported{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/south-korea-reports-first-coronavirus-death-infections-linked-church-rise-n1139821|title=South Korea reports first coronavirus death as infections linked to church rise|date=20 February 2020|publisher=NBC News|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310234601/https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/south-korea-reports-first-coronavirus-death-infections-linked-church-rise-n1139821|url-status=live}} in a mental ward of Cheongdo Daenam Hospital in Cheongdo County. According to the mayor of Daegu, the number of suspected cases as of 21 February was 544 among 4,400 examined followers of the church.{{cite web|url=https://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/02/21/2020022101558.html|title=신천지 관련 확진자 76명으로 늘어...대구 교인 의심자만 544명|language=ko|trans-title=The number of Shincheonji related doctors will increase to 74 ... Daegu members only 544|date=21 February 2020|publisher=Chosun.com|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226102756/https://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/02/21/2020022101558.html|url-status=live}} The hospital was suspected as the source of the present outbreak after it was visited by a woman who became the second fatal case of Korea on that day. The infection spread outside via a funeral ceremony attended by members of the church.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51582186|title=South Korea virus 'emergency' as cases increase|date=21 February 2020|work=BBC News|archive-date=21 February 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221090046/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51582186|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Lee|first1=Han-soo|url=http://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=7489|title=COVID-19 patients soar to 204 in Korea|date=21 February 2020|work=Korea Biomedical Review|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226102842/http://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=7489|url-status=live}}

All South Korean military bases were on lockdown after tests confirmed that three soldiers were indeed positive for the virus. Airlines cut connections and cultural schedules were being cancelled due to fears of further spread.{{cite news|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200221000249|title=Airlines to suspend more flights over coronavirus|date=21 February 2020|work=The Korea Herald|access-date=21 February 2020|agency=Yonhap|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226102846/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200221000249|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Song|first1=Seung-hyun|url=http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200221000554|title=Foreign artists delay concerts in Korea due to spread of COVID-19|date=21 February 2020|work=The Korea Herald|access-date=21 February 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226102848/http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20200221000554|url-status=live}} United States Forces Korea raised the alert level from low to moderate and cut off non-essential travel to and from USFK Daegu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/02/19/us-forces-korea-imposes-new-coronavirus-protections-after-uptick-in-s-korea-cases/|title=US Forces Korea imposes new coronavirus protections after uptick in S Korea cases|date=19 February 2020|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-date=6 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200306190234/https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2020/02/19/us-forces-korea-imposes-new-coronavirus-protections-after-uptick-in-s-korea-cases/|url-status=live}} USFK Daegu's school facilities were closed and non-essential personnel were ordered to stay at home while any visitors going there were not allowed to enter. USFK announced that the widow of a retired soldier who was in Daegu was diagnosed to be positive for the virus on 24 February.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/usfk-dependent-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-putting-military-on-high-alert-in-south-korea-1.620023|title=USFK dependent tests positive for coronavirus, putting military on high alert in South Korea|website=Stars and Stripes|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226102852/https://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/usfk-dependent-tests-positive-for-coronavirus-putting-military-on-high-alert-in-south-korea-1.620023|url-status=live}} Camp Humphreys enacted virus detection protocols, including temperature checks and raised the alert level to high.{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/us-forces-korea-high-alert-for-coronavirus-after-positive-test-2020-2|title=US troops in Korea are on high alert for coronavirus after widow of retired soldier tests positive|first=David|last=Roza|website=Business Insider|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227153541/https://www.businessinsider.com/us-forces-korea-high-alert-for-coronavirus-after-positive-test-2020-2|url-status=live}} On 26 February, an American soldier based at Camp Carroll was diagnosed to be positive and was quarantined away from bases via off-base housing unit{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-southkorea/us-soldier-infected-as-south-korea-coronavirus-cases-rise-above-1260-idUSKCN20K045|title=U.S. Soldier infected as South Korea coronavirus cases rise above 1,260|date=26 February 2020|work=Reuters|archive-date=3 March 2020|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200303231232/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-southkorea/us-soldier-infected-as-south-korea-coronavirus-cases-rise-above-1260-idUSKCN20K045|url-status=live}} with contact tracing done that showed his movements to Camp Walker.{{Cite web|url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/south-korea-coronavirus-cases-continue-to-soar-towns-sealed-off-in-northern-italy-2020-02-25|title=First U.S. soldier in South Korea tests positive for coronavirus; towns sealed off in northern Italy|agency=Associated Press|website=MarketWatch|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-date=5 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200305134342/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/south-korea-coronavirus-cases-continue-to-soar-towns-sealed-off-in-northern-italy-2020-02-25|url-status=live}}

File:Few people in arrival hall at Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 during the coronavirus outbreak 20200306 114257.jpg in South Korea on 6 March]]

As of 22 February, among 9,336 followers of the church, 1,261 reported symptoms.{{Cite web |url= http://www.mohw.go.kr/react/al/sal0301vw.jsp?PAR_MENU_ID=04&MENU_ID=0403&page=1&CONT_SEQ=353047&SEARCHKEY=TITLE&SEARCHVALUE=%EC%BD%94%EB%A1%9C%EB%82%98%EB%B0%94%EC%9D%B4%EB%9F%AC |title= 코로나바이러스감염증-19 국내 발생 현황 (2월 22일 09시) |date= 22 February 2020 |access-date= 10 March 2020 |archive-date= 26 February 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200226102804/http://www.mohw.go.kr/react/al/sal0301vw.jsp?PAR_MENU_ID=04&MENU_ID=0403&page=1&CONT_SEQ=353047&SEARCHKEY=TITLE&SEARCHVALUE=%EC%BD%94%EB%A1%9C%EB%82%98%EB%B0%94%EC%9D%B4%EB%9F%AC |url-status= live }} At the time, 169 confirmed cases involved the church and another 111 came from the Cheongdo Daenam Hospital.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cdc.go.kr/|title=질병관리본부|website=Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Korea|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-date=30 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200130022550/http://www.cdc.go.kr/|url-status=live}} 23 February saw another 123 cases with 75 being from Shincheonji{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030&act=view&list_no=366303&tag=&nPage=1|title=123 additional cases have been confirmed|author=|date=23 February 2020|website=Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226132753/https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030&act=view&list_no=366303&tag=&nPage=1|url-status=dead}} and 24 February saw 161 additional cases with 129 being from the religious group. Over 27,000 people have been tested for the virus with 19,127 negative results.{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030&act=view&list_no=366323&tag=&nPage=1|title=161 additional cases have been confirmed|author=|date=24 February 2020|website=Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-date=24 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224201926/https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030&act=view&list_no=366323&tag=&nPage=1|url-status=dead}}

On 24 February 15 countries imposed travel restrictions to and from South Korea.{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-02-24-20-hnk-intl#h_303decf2bc32dd08ce587a7e9f3efafd|title=15 countries have travel restrictions on South Korea|date=24 February 2020|publisher=CNN|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226102813/https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/coronavirus-outbreak-02-24-20-hnk-intl/h_303decf2bc32dd08ce587a7e9f3efafd|url-status=live}} It was also reported that a senior health official overseeing the COVID-19 efforts in Daegu tested positive and was also a member of Shincheonji.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3052129/coronavirus-infected-health-official-leading-south|title=Coronavirus: infected health official leading South Korea's fight against Covid-19 is member of Shincheonji Church of Jesus doomsday cult|last=Park|first=Chan-kyong|date=24 February 2020|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=25 February 2020|quote=Official in charge of fight against the virus in western Daegu admits being member of cult after testing positive; 50 coworkers quarantined|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193412/https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/health-environment/article/3052129/coronavirus-infected-health-official-leading-south|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-02-27/south-korea-coronavirus-cases-surveillance|title=Were you on this bus with a coronavirus patient? South Korea is on the hunt for infections|last=Kim|first=Victoria|date=27 February 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=28 February 2020|quote=Even a public health official in charge of infection prevention in Seo-gu in Daegu was revealed to be a member of the church after he was diagnosed with the virus. Many members hide their affiliation with the controversial church. More than 750,000 signed a petition to the South Korean president urging that the church be disbanded. Authorities in Gyeonggi province raided the group's headquarters in the city of Gwacheon, alleging that the church had been slow to turn over its list of members. South Korean officials said they would track down and test all 245,000 members of the church.|archive-date=27 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200227235952/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-02-27/south-korea-coronavirus-cases-surveillance|url-status=live}} Within a few days, a petition to the nation's president urging for the disbandment of the church had over 750,000 signatures. Their headquarters in Gwacheon was raided by law enforcement; government officials said all 245,000 members of the religious group would be found and tested. On 28 February, over 2,000 confirmed cases were reported,{{cite web|url=https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030|title=The Updates of COVID-19 in Republic of Korea As of 28 February, 2020|author=|website=Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229165533/https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030|url-status=dead}} rising to 3,150 on 29 February.{{Cite web|url=https://seekingalpha.com/news/3547240-south-korea-reports-record-jump-in-coronavirus-cases|title=South Korea reports a record jump in coronavirus cases|last=Hoffmann|first=SA Eli|date=29 February 2020|website=Seeking Alpha|access-date=1 March 2020|archive-date=27 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427174218/https://seekingalpha.com/news/3547240-south-korea-reports-record-jump-in-coronavirus-cases|url-status=live}}

On 8 March, KCDC in South Korea announced that 79.4% of confirmed COVID-19 cases were related to group infection. KCDC also announced that outbreak associated with Shincheonji Church totaled 4,482 infections, accounting for 62.8% of the total confirmed cases.{{cite news |script-title=ko:[출처: 중앙일보] [코로나 종합] 서울백병원 환자 1명 확진…"대구 거주 숨기고 내원" |url=https://news.joins.com/article/23724705 |work=JoongAng Ilbo |language=ko-kr |archive-date=7 April 2020 |access-date=30 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407011112/https://news.joins.com/article/23724705 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/05/113_285870.html|title=New cases of infections drop for third day|date=9 March 2020|website=The Korea Times|access-date=11 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310190619/https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.asp?newsIdx=285870|archive-date=10 March 2020|url-status=live}} 13 March was the first time since the outbreak on 20 January in which the number of recoveries, 177, was larger than the number of those who newly tested positive, 110.{{cite web |url= https://www.mk.co.kr/news/it/view/2020/03/265693 |title= 코로나 '골든크로스'…완치>신규 확진자 |author1= 서진우 |author2= 이석희 |author3= 우성덕 |date= 13 March 2020 |website= 매일경제 MBN |access-date= 17 March 2020 |language=ko |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200319095345/https://www.mk.co.kr/news/it/view/2020/03/265693/ |archive-date= 19 March 2020 |url-status= live}}{{cite web |url= http://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20200315/100164765/1 |title= 대구서 코로나19 확진자 보다 완치자 많은 '골든크로스' 확연 |author= |date= 15 March 2020 |website= DongA |access-date= 17 March 2020 |language=ko |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200315182415/http://www.donga.com/news/article/all/20200315/100164765/1 |archive-date= 15 March 2020 |url-status= live}}{{cite web |url= http://www.newdaily.co.kr/site/data/html/2020/03/15/2020031500028.html |title= 15일 우한코로나 확진자 8162명…'골든 크로스' 사흘째 |author= 김동우 |date= 15 March 2020 |website= New Daily |access-date= 17 March 2020 |language=ko |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200319095344/http://www.newdaily.co.kr/site/data/html/2020/03/15/2020031500028.html |archive-date= 19 March 2020 |url-status= live}}

As infection rates have risen outside Korea leading to increases of sick arriving in the country (476 of 9,661 cases were imported as of 30 March), the KCDC implemented stronger infectious disease control measures for travelers coming from overseas as of 1 April.{{cite web |url= https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030&act=view&list_no=366687&tag=&nPage=2 |title= The updates on COVID-19 in Korea as of 30 March |author= |date= 30 March 2020 |website= Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |access-date= 31 March 2020 |archive-date= 29 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200729003925/https://www.cdc.go.kr/board/board.es?mid=a30402000000&bid=0030&act=view&list_no=366687&tag=&nPage=2 |url-status= live }} By 9 April 2020, South Korea had about 10,423 cases and 204 deaths,{{cite web|url=https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/south-korea/|title=Coronavirus South Korea|website=Worldometer|access-date=18 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317173023/https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/south-korea/|archive-date=17 March 2020|url-status=live}} with over 494,711 people having been tested, a case fatality rate of 1.95%, which is lower than the WHO's global case fatality rate of 4.34%.{{cite web|url=https://coronaboard.kr/en/|title=COVID-19 Realtime Dashboard|website=COVID-19 Realtime Dashboard|access-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324053131/https://coronaboard.kr/en/|archive-date=24 March 2020|url-status=live}}

Seeing the infodemic on COVID-19 information starting in China and spreading to Korea and the US, fake news researcher Cha Meeyoung of KAIST and the Institute for Basic Science, along with researchers from Ewha Womans University, started the multilingual Facts Before Rumors campaign to separate common claims seen online.{{cite web |url= https://www.ibs.re.kr/cop/bbs/BBSMSTR_000000000739/selectBoardArticle.do?nttId=18241 |title= "Fact before rumors" campaign just began by the IBS Data Science Group |author= |date= 26 March 2020 |website= Institute for Basic Science |access-date= 31 March 2020 |archive-date= 2 May 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200502225405/https://www.ibs.re.kr/cop/bbs/BBSMSTR_000000000739/selectBoardArticle.do?nttId=18241 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= https://www.ibs.re.kr/cop/bbs/BBSMSTR_000000000971/selectBoardArticle.do?nttId=18234&pageIndex=1&searchCnd=&searchWrd= |title= 코로나바이러스와 인포데믹 |first= Cha |last= Meeyoung |author-link= Cha Meeyoung |date= 24 March 2020 |website= Institute for Basic Science |access-date= 30 March 2020 |language= ko |archive-date= 2 May 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200502225458/https://www.ibs.re.kr/cop/bbs/BBSMSTR_000000000971/selectBoardArticle.do?nttId=18234&pageIndex=1&searchCnd=&searchWrd= |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= http://dongascience.donga.com/news.php?idx=35457 |title= "동남아·남미 코로나 가짜뉴스 막고 '진짜뉴스' 전하자" 국내 과학자 팔 걷어 |author= |date= 25 March 2020 |website= Donga Science |access-date= 30 March 2020 |language= ko |archive-date= 2 May 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200502225324/http://dongascience.donga.com/news.php?idx=35457 |url-status= live }}{{cite web |url= https://www.hankyung.com/opinion/article/2020032509531 |title= [차미영의 데이터로 본 세상] '인포데믹'의 시대 |author= |date= 25 March 2020 |website= 한국경제 |access-date= 30 March 2020 |language=ko |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200407011112/https://www.hankyung.com/opinion/article/2020032509531 |archive-date= 7 April 2020 |url-status= live}}

By 17 April, the KCDC stated that it knew of 163 patients who were said to have recovered, but again tested positive. The exact cause was not known but they stated several possibilities.{{cite web |url= https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/17/836747242/in-south-korea-a-growing-number-of-covid-19-patients-test-positive-after-recovery |title= In South Korea, A Growing Number Of COVID-19 Patients Test Positive After Recovery |author= Se Eun Gong |date= 17 April 2020 |website= NPR |access-date= 20 April 2020 |archive-date= 20 April 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200420044327/https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/17/836747242/in-south-korea-a-growing-number-of-covid-19-patients-test-positive-after-recovery |url-status= live }} After several days with new infections numbering in the single digits (18, 20, 22 April), the government announced it was going to start lifting restrictions starting with stores, restaurants, gyms, cram schools, bars, and religious services; which is notable as most of the nation's infections came from places of worship. In coming weeks, arboretums, forests and national parks will begin to open with social distancing still in place until at least early May. After seeing Korea successfully lower cases of infection, President Moon Jae-in has engaged in "coronavirus diplomacy" with leaders of other nations, part of which involved exporting test kits to more than 20 countries.{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/23/test-trace-contain-how-south-korea-flattened-its-coronavirus-curve |title= Test, trace, contain: how South Korea flattened its coronavirus curve |first= Justin |last= McCurry |date= 23 April 2020 |website= The Guardian |access-date= 24 April 2020 }} On 26 April, confirmed patient number 31 in Daegu was discharged after 67 days.{{Cite web|url=https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=028&aid=0002495062&sid1=001|title=대구 지역 코로나19 '31번째 확진자', 67일 만에 퇴원|website=news.naver.com|language=ko|access-date=26 April 2020|archive-date=8 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308161119/https://news.naver.com/main/read.nhn?mode=LSD&mid=sec&oid=028&aid=0002495062&sid1=001|url-status=live}}

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has been criticized for unilaterally implementing telephone consultation and prescription without discussing with the Korea Medical Association, and for not restricting traffic from China despite several warnings from the association and a petition proposed by the society.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

On 22 February, the South Korean government apologized for calling the virus "Daegu Corona 19" in an official report. The term has been widespread on social media and raises concerns about discrimination.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

More than 1.5 million South Koreans have signed a petition to impeach President Moon Jae-in over what they claim is the government's mishandling of the outbreak.{{cite news |last1=Kim |first1=Suki |title=How South Korea Lost Control of Its Coronavirus Outbreak |url=https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/how-south-korea-lost-control-of-its-coronavirus-outbreak |magazine=The New Yorker |date=4 March 2020 |archive-date=5 May 2020 |access-date=22 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200505234659/https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/how-south-korea-lost-control-of-its-coronavirus-outbreak |url-status=live }} On 6 March, the South Korean government has only entry restricted to Japanese citizens out of 102 countries that blocked Korea. The action has been widespread on social media and raises concerns about anti-Japanese discrimination.{{cite web|url=https://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2020/03/06/2020030603059.html|title=[사설] 日 뒤늦게라도 中 차단, 세계고립 우리는 日에만 분노|date=7 March 2020|website=news.chosun.com}}{{cite web|url=https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20200307-00010006-fnnprimev-kr|title=日本の入国制限に韓国激怒、矛盾だらけの"反日"対抗策（FNN.jpプライムオンライン）|website=Yahoo!ニュース|access-date=22 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317224103/https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20200307-00010006-fnnprimev-kr|archive-date=17 March 2020|url-status=dead}}

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey}}

On 10 January 2020, ignoring China's insistence on the lack of evidence for human-to-human transmission, Ministry of Health experts stated that they suspected that SARS-CoV-2 was transmitted among people, and accordingly set up the Coronavirus Scientific Advisory Board.{{Cite news |url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/bilim-kurulu-nedir-saglik-bakanligi-bilim-kurulu-uyeleri-kimlerdir-41478813 |title=Bilim Kurulu nedir? Sağlık Bakanlığı Bilim Kurulu üyeleri kimlerdir? |date=26 March 2020 |work=Hürriyet |access-date=28 March 2020 |language=tr |archive-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328191918/https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/bilim-kurulu-nedir-saglik-bakanligi-bilim-kurulu-uyeleri-kimlerdir-41478813 |url-status=live }} 26 experts in infectious diseases and clinical microbiology originally comprised the Coronavirus Advisory Board,{{Cite news |url=https://www.aksam.com.tr/guncel/son-dakikia-bilim-kurulu-toplantisi-ne-zaman-koronavirus-bilim-kurulu-ne-zaman-kuruldu-uye/haber-1056513 |title=Koranavirüs Bilim Kurulu ne zaman kuruldu, üyeleri kimlerdir? İşte Bilim Kurulu ile ilgili merak edilenler... |date=26 March 2020 |work=Akşam |access-date=26 March 2020 |language=tr |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326161913/https://www.aksam.com.tr/guncel/son-dakikia-bilim-kurulu-toplantisi-ne-zaman-koronavirus-bilim-kurulu-ne-zaman-kuruldu-uye/haber-1056513 |url-status=live }} which was subsequently enlarged to include five additional experts in intensive care medicine, internal medicine, and virology. The board put forward voluntary recommendations while the government issued legal restrictions for businesses and public gatherings.{{Cite news |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-remains-firm-calm-as-first-coronavirus-case-confirmed/news |title=Turkey remains firm, calm as first coronavirus case confirmed |date=11 March 2020 |work=Daily Sabah |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=26 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326215515/https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-remains-firm-calm-as-first-coronavirus-case-confirmed/news |url-status=live }}

In the early hours of 11 March 2020 (UTC+03:00), the Minister of Health Fahrettin Koca announced that a Turkish man who had contracted the virus while travelling in Europe was the country's first confirmed COVID-19 case.{{Cite web |url=https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-confirms-first-coronavirus-case-a-man-back-from-europe/news |title=Turkey confirms first coronavirus patient, recently returned from Europe |date=11 March 2020 |publisher=Daily Sabah |access-date=11 March 2020 |archive-date=3 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403111418/https://www.dailysabah.com/turkey/turkey-remains-firm-calm-as-first-coronavirus-case-confirmed/news |url-status=live }} The patient had been placed in isolation at an undisclosed hospital, and family members of the patient were put under observation.

On 12 March 2020, the Ministry of National Education announced that with the exception of schools catering to students with special needs, all schools{{Cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/koronavirus/ibrahim-kalin-koronavirus-toplantisinda-alinan-tedbirleri-acikladi/1763918 |title=İbrahim Kalın 'koronavirüs' toplantısında alınan tedbirleri açıkladı |date=12 March 2020 |publisher=Aa.com.tr |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-date=12 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312203921/https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/koronavirus/ibrahim-kalin-koronavirus-toplantisinda-alinan-tedbirleri-acikladi/1763918 |url-status=live }} in Turkey would close starting on 16 March 2020.{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/AACanli/status/1238164782693449728 |title=Milli Eğitim Bakanı Selçuk'tan eğitimde koronavirüs önlemlerine ilişkin açıklama |access-date=12 March 2020 |archive-date=12 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312233830/https://twitter.com/AACanli/status/1238164782693449728 |url-status=live }} Given the intense learning needs of students with disabilities, the Ministry of National Education announced that elementary-, middle- and high-school students with special needs will continue to have in-person attendance in fixed small groups, with adults rotating into the class, so as to facilitate contact tracing.{{Cite web |url=https://twitter.com/AACanli/status/1238165310697594881 |title=Milli Eğitim Bakanı Ziya Selçuk'un, koronavirüse karşı alınan tedbirlerin detaylarını ve uzaktan eğitim sürecine ilişkin açıklaması |access-date=12 March 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313041742/https://twitter.com/AACanli/status/1238165310697594881 |url-status=live }} The Ministry of National Education subsequently announced that teachers and staff in schools for students with special needs are able to opt out of in-person teaching if they or their families have a health risk.

On 17 March, Minister Selçuk stated that a subset of teachers are focusing on content generation for the national online platform on TRT EBA TV, which became functional on 23 March 2020,{{Cite web |url=https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/eba-tv-uzaktan-egitim-basladi-trt-eba-tv-nereden-ve-nasil-izlenecek-eba-tv-uydu-frekanslari-nedir,W7ZJUVmPQU-JLHCfQrg3rw |title=EBA TV uzaktan eğitim başladı! TRT EBA TV nereden ve nasıl izlenecek? EBA TV uydu frekansları nedir? |date=23 March 2020 |publisher=NTV |access-date=23 March 2020 |archive-date=23 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323180119/https://www.ntv.com.tr/turkiye/eba-tv-uzaktan-egitim-basladi-trt-eba-tv-nereden-ve-nasil-izlenecek-eba-tv-uydu-frekanslari-nedir,W7ZJUVmPQU-JLHCfQrg3rw |url-status=live }} with the rest of the teachers matched to students to provide individual assessment, coaching, and tutoring from 23 March to 31 May 2020.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/egitim/uzaktan-egitimde-ilk-dersi-bakan-ziya-selcuk-verecek/1769262 |title=Uzaktan eğitimde ilk dersi Bakan Ziya Selçuk verecek |date=17 March 2020 |publisher=Anadolu Agency |access-date=18 March 2020 |archive-date=18 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318214839/https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/egitim/uzaktan-egitimde-ilk-dersi-bakan-ziya-selcuk-verecek/1769262 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.haberler.com/son-dakika-okullara-verilen-ara-uzatildi-13053581-haberi/ |title=Son Dakika: Okullara verilen ara uzatıldı |date=25 March 2020 |website=haberler.com |access-date=25 March 2020 |archive-date=25 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325163252/https://www.haberler.com/son-dakika-okullara-verilen-ara-uzatildi-13053581-haberi/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/egitim/milli-egitim-bakani-selcuk-uzaktan-egitime-31-mayisa-kadar-devam-edilecek/1822357|title=Milli Eğitim Bakanı Selçuk: Uzaktan eğitime 31 Mayıs'a kadar devam edilecek|publisher=Anadolu Agency|first=Selma|last=Kasap|date=29 April 2020|access-date=29 April 2020|archive-date=27 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527040546/https://www.aa.com.tr/tr/egitim/milli-egitim-bakani-selcuk-uzaktan-egitime-31-mayisa-kadar-devam-edilecek/1822357|url-status=live}}

After the Ministry of National Education announced the closure of all schools (except those catering to students with special needs) on 12 March 2020, the government acknowledged the impact of the closure of schools on the welfare of children. Noting that children with preexisting mental-health issues{{Cite web |url=https://www.ttb.org.tr/haber_goster.php?Guid=7d00f1fc-7384-11ea-b12d-d839943d748d |title=DİSK, KESK, TMMOB ve TTB'nin yedi acil önlem metni imzaya açıldı |date=31 March 2020 |publisher=Turkish Medical Association |access-date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=4 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404053912/https://www.ttb.org.tr/haber_goster.php?Guid=7d00f1fc-7384-11ea-b12d-d839943d748d |url-status=live }} or who live in non-supportive home environments are likely to suffer from being out of school, the government announced emergency measures, including fund increases for foster children, expansion of the nutrition assistance program, direct payments to families, and a national moratorium on evictions. To alleviate the social isolation of students, Minister Selçuk piloted a project on 27 March, where the Ministry of National Education started paying schools to offer small group activities for students on Mondays and Fridays, with deep cleaning sessions in between.{{Cite web |url=https://www.ntv.com.tr/egitim/son-dakika-haberi-2020-yks-mufredati-belli-oldu,MkwEauN2ekSVi7euCpKfpQ |title=2020 YKS müfredatı belli oldu |date=27 March 2020 |publisher=NTV |access-date=27 March 2020 |archive-date=27 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327101539/https://www.ntv.com.tr/egitim/son-dakika-haberi-2020-yks-mufredati-belli-oldu,MkwEauN2ekSVi7euCpKfpQ |url-status=live }}

On 21 March, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure a total curfew for those who are over the age 65 or chronically ill.{{Cite web |url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-haberi-icisleri-bakanligi-duyurdu-65-yas-ustune-disari-cikma-sinirlandirildi-41474569 |title=Son dakika haberler: İçişleri Bakanlığı duyurdu! 65 yaş üstüne sokağa çıkma yasağı |date=21 March 2020 |website=Hürriyet |language=tr |access-date=21 March 2020 |archive-date=22 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322191928/https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-haberi-icisleri-bakanligi-duyurdu-65-yas-ustune-disari-cikma-sinirlandirildi-41474569 |url-status=live }} On 27 March, the Ministry of the Interior issued a new statement regarding gatherings during weekends, announcing that starting from 28 to 29 March, having picnics, fishing at the shores, doing physical exercise outside (including running and walking on the weekends in city and town centers) would be banned until the virus spread has been contained. It was also stated that, should they deem it necessary, local authorities may extend these new measures to weekdays.{{Cite web |url=https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-salgini-ile-mucadele-kapsaminda-park-mesire-piknik-yerleri-ile-ilgili-ek-genelge |title=Koronavirüs Salgını ile Mücadele Kapsamında Park, Mesire, Piknik Yerleri İle İlgili Ek Genelge |date=26 March 2020 |publisher=T.C. İçişleri Bakanlığı |access-date=26 March 2020 |archive-date=26 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200526200953/https://www.icisleri.gov.tr/koronavirus-salgini-ile-mucadele-kapsaminda-park-mesire-piknik-yerleri-ile-ilgili-ek-genelge |url-status=live }} Also on 27 March, President Erdoğan announced that all overseas flights were terminated, adding that intercity travel was subject to permission by the state governors, and that places such as picnic areas, forests and historical sites would be closed on the weekend.{{Cite news |url=https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-haberi-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-aciklama-yapacak-41479930 |title=Son dakika haberi: Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan yeni corona virüs önlemlerini tek tek açıkladı! |date=28 March 2020 |work=Hürriyet |access-date=28 March 2020 |trans-title=Breaking news: President Erdoğan announced new corona virus measures one by one! |archive-date=29 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529034408/https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/gundem/son-dakika-haberi-cumhurbaskani-erdogan-aciklama-yapacak-41479930 |url-status=live }} On 3 April 2020, President Erdoğan announced a 15-day entry ban to 30 metropolitan municipalities as well as Zonguldak. Also, the curfew was extended to people younger than 20 years old. Using masks in public places became mandatory.{{Cite news |url=https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/son-dakika-cumhurbaskani-erdogandan-onemli-aciklamalar030420 |title=Son dakika... Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan yeni tedbirleri açıkladı! 20 yaş altına sokağa çıkma yasağı |date=3 April 2020 |work=CNN Türk |access-date=3 April 2020 |language=tr |archive-date=8 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508134550/https://www.cnnturk.com/turkiye/son-dakika-cumhurbaskani-erdogandan-onemli-aciklamalar030420 |url-status=live }}

The announced {{Turkish lira}}100 billion economic measures package, set to be provided by the government, was criticized by institutions and individuals, including economists and politicians. The lack of a detailed action plan was the center of criticism. Additionally, at a time when people were encouraged to stay at home, the government was criticized for allowing airline passenger transport and tax reductions that support tourism. Critics asked for lowering the down payment of housing loans and emphasized on the need to provide employment support to different sectors.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-dunya-51958762 |title=Koronavirüs ekonomik tedbir paketi: Kime, hangi güvence sunuluyor? |date=19 March 2020 |publisher=BBC Turkish |access-date=25 March 2020 |archive-date=28 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200528224758/https://www.bbc.com/turkce/haberler-dunya-51958762 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://tr.euronews.com/2020/03/19/ekonomide-covid-19-turkiye-nin-100-milyar-tl-onlem-paketi-ekonomistler-ne-diyor-corona |title=Ekonomide Covid-19: Türkiye'nin 100 milyar TL önlem paketi için ekonomistler ne diyor? |last=Tokyay |first=Menekse |date=19 March 2020 |publisher=Euronews Turkish |access-date=25 March 2020 |archive-date=20 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320182834/https://tr.euronews.com/2020/03/19/ekonomide-covid-19-turkiye-nin-100-milyar-tl-onlem-paketi-ekonomistler-ne-diyor-corona |url-status=live }}

The donation campaign initiated by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was supported by representatives of the ruling party, members of the oppositions had a less favorable reaction to it.{{Cite web |url=http://www.diken.com.tr/milli-dayanisma-kampanyasina-destek-de-var-elestiri-de/ |title='Milli Dayanışma Kampanyası'na destek de var eleştiri de |date=30 March 2020 |website=diken.com.tr |access-date=31 March 2020 |archive-date=4 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404025016/http://www.diken.com.tr/milli-dayanisma-kampanyasina-destek-de-var-elestiri-de/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.independentturkish.com/node/155576/erdo%C4%9Fan%E2%80%99%C4%B1n-a%C3%A7%C4%B1klad%C4%B1%C4%9F%C4%B1-ba%C4%9F%C4%B1%C5%9F-kampanyas%C4%B1na-tepki-g%C3%B6sterenler-eski-ak-partili-vekil-de |title=Erdoğan'ın açıkladığı bağış kampanyasına tepki gösterenler: Eski AK Partili vekil de listede |date=30 March 2020 |publisher=Independent Turkish |access-date=31 March 2020 |archive-date=24 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200424161205/https://www.independentturkish.com/node/155576/erdo%C4%9Fan%E2%80%99%C4%B1n-a%C3%A7%C4%B1klad%C4%B1%C4%9F%C4%B1-ba%C4%9F%C4%B1%C5%9F-kampanyas%C4%B1na-tepki-g%C3%B6sterenler-eski-ak-partili-vekil-de |url-status=live }} After the government's decision to take money from the income of several institutions in order to make donations to this campaign, the Confederation of Public Employees' Unions filed a criminal complaint as a result of the salary cuts of the staff of many institutions such as MEB, BOTAŞ, General Directorate of Forestry, Ministry of Justice, Constitutional Court and Social Service Provincial Directorates.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/gundem/2020/04/02/kesk-zorunlu-bagisa-suc-duyurusu-yapacagiz|title=KESK: Zorunlu bağışa suç duyurusu yapacağız|first=Gazete|last=Duvar|date=4 February 2020|website=Gazete Duvar|access-date=22 April 2020|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413055911/https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/gundem/2020/04/02/kesk-zorunlu-bagisa-suc-duyurusu-yapacagiz/|url-status=live}} Additionally, a similar donation campaign initiated by the metropolitan municipalities with CHP administration was terminated by the Ministry of the Interior and their bank accounts were blocked. Regarding this decision, the Ankara Bar Association issued a statement, saying: "Although the aforementioned circular and blocking process enforced by the Ministry of the Interior are clearly unlawful, the provision of social services belongs neither exclusively to the local governments nor to the central government."{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/gundem/2020/04/02/ankara-barosu-icislerinin-bagis-genelgesi-hukuksuz|title=Ankara Barosu: İçişlerinin bağış genelgesi hukuksuz|first=Gazete|last=Duvar|date=4 February 2020|website=Gazete Duvar|access-date=22 April 2020|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413040128/https://www.gazeteduvar.com.tr/gundem/2020/04/02/ankara-barosu-icislerinin-bagis-genelgesi-hukuksuz/|url-status=live}}

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• 25px Afghanistan
• 25px Armenia
• 25px Azerbaijan
• 25px Bahrain
• 25px Bangladesh
• 25px Bhutan
• 25px Brunei
• 25px Cambodia
• 25px Cyprus
• 25px Georgia
• 25px Hong Kong
• 25px Iraq
• 25px Israel
• 25px Jordan
• 25px Kazakhstan
• 25px Kuwait
• 25px Kyrgyzstan
• 25px Laos
• 25px Lebanon
• 25px Macau
• 25px Malaysia
• 25px Maldives
• 25px Mongolia
• 25px Myanmar
• 15px Nepal
• 25px Oman
• 25px Pakistan
• 25px Palestine
• 25px Qatar
• 25px Saudi Arabia
• 25px Singapore
• 25px Sri Lanka
• 25px Syria
• 25px Taiwan
• 25px Thailand
• 25px Timor-Leste
• 25px Turkmenistan
• 25px United Arab Emirates
• 25px Uzbekistan
• 25px Vietnam
• 25px Yemen

{{div col end}}

{{See also|European Union response to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in France}}

File:Paris Covid19 Avril 2020.webm

The earliest discovered infection came from an old sample collected on 27 December 2019.{{cite news |title=After retesting samples, French hospital discovers COVID-19 case from December |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-idUSKBN22G20L |vauthors=Irish J |date=4 May 2020 |veditors=Lough R, Graff P |work=Reuters |access-date=4 May 2020 |archive-date=18 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200518132717/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-france-idUSKBN22G20L |url-status=live }}{{cite journal | vauthors = Deslandes A, Berti V, Tandjaoui-Lambotte Y, Alloui C, Carbonnelle E, Zahar JR, Brichler S, Cohen Y | title = SARS-CoV-2 was already spreading in France in late December 2019 | journal = International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents | volume = 55 | issue = 6 | page = 106006 | date = June 2020 | pmid = 32371096 | pmc = 7196402 | doi = 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106006 }} A superspreader event in the outbreak was the annual assembly of the Christian Open Door Church between 17 and 24 February 2020. It was attended by about 2,500 people, at least half of whom were believed to have contracted the virus.{{cite web |url=https://www.lepoint.fr/sante/coronavirus-la-bombe-atomique-du-rassemblement-evangelique-de-mulhouse-28-03-2020-2369173_40.php |title=Coronavirus : la " bombe atomique " du rassemblement évangélique de Mulhouse |date=28 March 2020 |website=Le Point |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=28 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200328191518/https://www.lepoint.fr/sante/coronavirus-la-bombe-atomique-du-rassemblement-evangelique-de-mulhouse-28-03-2020-2369173_40.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/maladie/coronavirus/video-coronavirus-le-nombre-de-contaminations-lors-du-rassemblement-evangelique-de-mulhouse-a-ete-largement-sous-evalue_3889133.html |title=Enquette Franceinfo. "La majorité des personnes étaient contaminées" : de la Corse à l'outre-mer, comment le rassemblement évangélique de Mulhouse a diffusé le coronavirus dans toute la France |date=28 March 2020 |website=Franceinfo |access-date=24 April 2020 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407175958/https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/maladie/coronavirus/video-coronavirus-le-nombre-de-contaminations-lors-du-rassemblement-evangelique-de-mulhouse-a-ete-largement-sous-evalue_3889133.html |url-status=live }}

On 13 March 2020, Prime Minister Édouard Philippe ordered the closure of "non-essential" public places,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51892477 |title=Coronavirus: Spain and France announce sweeping restrictions |work=BBC News |date=15 March 2020 |access-date=15 March 2020 |archive-date=8 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408232853/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-51892477 |url-status=live }} and on 16 March, President Emmanuel Macron announced mandatory home confinement.Multiple sources:

• {{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-france-lockdown-cases-update-covid-19-macron-a9405136.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220618/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/coronavirus-france-lockdown-cases-update-covid-19-macron-a9405136.html |archive-date=18 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=France imposes 15-day lockdown as part of emergency coronavirus response |date=16 March 2020 |website=The Independent }}
• {{cite news |url=https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/maladie/coronavirus/direct-coronavirus-prolongation-du-confinement-reouverture-des-ecoles-et-des-commerces-regardez-l-allocution-televisee-d-emmanuel-macron_3913673.html |title=Coronavirus : prolongation du confinement jusqu'au 11 mai |date=13 April 2020 |publisher=France Info |access-date=13 April 2020 |archive-date=14 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200414001538/https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/maladie/coronavirus/direct-coronavirus-prolongation-du-confinement-reouverture-des-ecoles-et-des-commerces-regardez-l-allocution-televisee-d-emmanuel-macron_3913673.html |url-status=live }}
• [https://www.ft.com/video/96240572-7e35-4fcd-aecb-8f503d529354 Macron: coronavirus is Europe's 'moment of truth'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200425150942/https://www.ft.com/video/96240572-7e35-4fcd-aecb-8f503d529354 |date=25 April 2020 }} 16 April 2020, Financial Times. Retrieved 18 April 2020

{{Main|German government response to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

{{Expand section|date=April 2020}}

At the end of January 2020, the first cases occurred in Bavaria in direct connection with the outbreak in Wuhan, China. After initial stagnation, several other cases were reported in different locations. During carnival in February, Heinsberg in Northrhine Westfalia was most affected, and case numbers steadily increased. By the second week of March, all federal states were affected and the first fatality was reported.{{Cite news |url=https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/blob/2294930/33e99dc559cfe3dbda8e7ae65b39c3be/ncov-data.pdf |title=COVID 19 |date=27 March 2020 |work=Gesundheitsdienst, Auswärtiges Amt |access-date=29 March 2020 |archive-date=7 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407043320/https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/blob/2294930/4096c71bdb0450f18d355839e3c1bfcf/ncov-data.pdf |url-status=live }}

As of 28 March 2020 the incidence was highest in the city state of Hamburg, followed by Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.{{Cite news |url=https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Situationsberichte/2020-03-28-en.pdfFile |title=Coronavirus Disease 2019 |date=27 March 2020 |work=Daily Situation Report of the Robert Koch Institute |access-date=29 March 2020 |archive-date=30 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330020441/https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Situationsberichte/2020-03-28-en.pdfFile |url-status=dead }} The Robert Koch Institute recommended an initial strategy of containment, until more cases would occur than could be traced back to a known case. The next phase of the epidemic, namely community transmission, was assumed to have begun first in Heinsberg, where a strategy of protection of vulnerable groups was adopted.

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Greece}}

On 26 February, the first case in Greece was confirmed, a 38-year-old woman from Thessaloniki who had recently visited Northern Italy.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-greece-idUSKCN20K1IA|title=Greece confirms first coronavirus case|date=26 February 2020|work=Reuters|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=26 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226113222/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-greece-idUSKCN20K1IA|url-status=live}} Within the next days, health and state authorities issued precautionary guidelines and recommendations, while measures up to that point were taken locally and included the closure of schools and the suspension of cultural events in the affected areas (particularly Ilia, Achaea and Zakynthos).{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsit.gr/ellada/koronoios-14-akoma-krousmata-stin-ellad/2988717/|title=Κορονοϊός: 14 ακόμα κρούσματα στην Ελλάδα!|website=www.newsit.gr|date=6 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=7 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200307063741/https://www.newsit.gr/ellada/koronoios-14-akoma-krousmata-stin-ellad/2988717/|url-status=live}} Various municipalities around the country began disinfecting schools.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ieidiseis.gr/ellada/item/36906-koronoios-stin-ellada-proliptikes-apolymanseis-se-dimosia-ktiria-apo-ton-dimo-iliou|title=Κορονοϊός στην Ελλάδα: Προληπτικές απολυμάνσεις σε δημόσια κτήρια από τον Δήμο Ιλίου|last=iEidiseis|website=www.ieidiseis.gr|language=el-gr|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=24 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324212821/https://www.ieidiseis.gr/ellada/item/36906-koronoios-stin-ellada-proliptikes-apolymanseis-se-dimosia-ktiria-apo-ton-dimo-iliou|url-status=live}} The Greek National Public Health Organization (NPHO), in collaboration with local authorities and doctors, is tracking and testing everyone who came in close contact with the confirmed carriers.{{cite web|url=https://www.onmed.gr/ygeia-eidhseis/story/382322/koronoios-stin-patra-to-enato-kroysma|title=Κοροναϊός: Ένατο επιβεβαιωμένο κρούσμα στην Πάτρα|website=www.onmed.gr|date=4 March 2020|language=el|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323114330/https://www.onmed.gr/ygeia-eidhseis/story/382322/koronoios-stin-patra-to-enato-kroysma|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ant1news.gr/ygeia-periballon/article/561722/koronoios-deka-ta-kroysmata-stin-ellada|title=Κορονοϊός: Δέκα τα κρούσματα στην Ελλάδα|website=antenna.gr|language=el|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323114327/https://www.ant1news.gr/ygeia-periballon/article/561722/koronoios-deka-ta-kroysmata-stin-ellada|url-status=live}}

By 10 March, with 89 confirmed cases and no deaths in the country,{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.gr/news/ellada/story/210621/koronoios-stin-ellada-anakoinothikan-pente-nea-kroysmata|title=Κορωνοϊός στην Ελλάδα: Ανακοινώθηκαν πέντε νέα κρούσματα|date=10 March 2020|website=cnn.gr|language=el|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319212539/https://www.cnn.gr/news/ellada/story/210621/koronoios-stin-ellada-anakoinothikan-pente-nea-kroysmata|url-status=live}} the government decided to suspend the operation of all schools, universities, daycare centers and all other educational establishments nationwide and then, on 13 March, to close down all cafes, bars, museums, shopping centres, sports facilities and restaurants in the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.minedu.gov.gr/news/44308-10-03-20-prosorini-apagorefsi-tis-ekpaideftikis-leitourgias-olon-ton-ekpaideftikon-domon|title=ΥΠΟΥΡΓΕΙΟ ΠΑΙΔΕΙΑΣ & ΘΡΗΣΚΕΥΜΑΤΩΝ – 10-03-20 Προσωρινή απαγόρευση της εκπαιδευτικής λειτουργίας όλων των εκπαιδευτικών δομών|website=www.minedu.gov.gr|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323114328/https://www.minedu.gov.gr/news/44308-10-03-20-prosorini-apagorefsi-tis-ekpaideftikis-leitourgias-olon-ton-ekpaideftikon-domon|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.capital.gr/epikairotita/3437285/sta-190-sunolika-ta-krousmata-stin-ellada-kleinoun-emporika-kentra-kafe-mpar|title=Στα 190 συνολικά τα κρούσματα στην Ελλάδα – Κλείνουν εμπορικά κέντρα, καφέ, μπαρ|last=Capital.gr|website=Capital.gr|language=el|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323114330/https://www.capital.gr/epikairotita/3437285/sta-190-sunolika-ta-krousmata-stin-ellada-kleinoun-emporika-kentra-kafe-mpar|url-status=live}} On 16 March, all retail shops were also closed and all services in all areas of religious worship of any religion or dogma were suspended. Supermarkets, pharmacies, food outlets that offer take-away and delivery only, as well as some other businesses, remained open.{{Cite web|url=https://www.news247.gr/koinonia/koronoios-kleinoyn-ta-emporika-katastimata-se-karantina-osoi-erchontai-apo-exoteriko.7603146.html|title=Κορονοϊός: Κλείνουν τα εμπορικά καταστήματα – Σε καραντίνα όσοι έρχονται από εξωτερικό|website=www.news247.gr|date=16 March 2020|language=el|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323114328/https://www.news247.gr/koinonia/koronoios-kleinoyn-ta-emporika-katastimata-se-karantina-osoi-erchontai-apo-exoteriko.7603146.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.kathimerini.gr/1069449/article/epikairothta/politikh/anastellontai-oles-oi-8rhskeytikes-leitoyrgies-me-apofash-ths-kyvernhshs|title=Αναστέλλονται όλες οι θρησκευτικές λειτουργίες με απόφαση της κυβέρνησης {{!}} Kathimerini|website=www.kathimerini.gr|date=16 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=17 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200317173105/https://www.kathimerini.gr/1069449/article/epikairothta/politikh/anastellontai-oles-oi-8rhskeytikes-leitoyrgies-me-apofash-ths-kyvernhshs|url-status=live}} On 18 and 19 March, the government announced a series of economic measures of more than 10 billion euros to support the economy, businesses and employees.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ethnos.gr/oikonomia/94785_koronoios-ta-metra-gia-ergazomenoys-ki-epiheiriseis|title=Κορονοϊός: Τα μέτρα για εργαζόμενους κι επιχειρήσεις|date=18 March 2020|website=Έθνος|language=el|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319180505/https://www.ethnos.gr/oikonomia/94785_koronoios-ta-metra-gia-ergazomenoys-ki-epiheiriseis|url-status=live}}

On 22 March, the Greek authorities announced significant restrictions on all nonessential transport and movement across the country, starting from 6 a.m. on 23 March. Movement outside the house is permitted only for specific reasons that include moving to or from the workplace, shopping for food or medicine, going to the bank, visiting a doctor or assisting a person in need of help and walking a pet or exercising outside individually or in pairs. Citizens leaving their home are required to carry their police ID or passport, as well as some type of attestation depending on the purpose of travel.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/250917/article/ekathimerini/news/full-lockdown-in-effect-from-monday-to-curb-coronavirus|title=Full lockdown in effect from Monday to curb coronavirus {{!}} Kathimerini|website=www.ekathimerini.com|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323114329/http://www.ekathimerini.com/250917/article/ekathimerini/news/full-lockdown-in-effect-from-monday-to-curb-coronavirus|url-status=live}} All passenger flights to and from Italy, Spain, Albania, North Macedonia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Germany are suspended until 15 May,{{Cite web|url=http://www.ekathimerini.com/251736/article/ekathimerini/news/greece-extends-flight-ban-for-six-countries-until-may-15|title=Greece extends flight ban for six countries until May 15 {{!}} Kathimerini|website=www.ekathimerini.com|access-date=21 April 2020}}{{Cite news|last=Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority|url=http://www.ypa.gr/news/paratash-notams-ews-tis-15-maioy-2020|title=Παράταση ΝΟΤΑΜS έως τις 15 Μαΐου 2020.|date=15 April 2020|access-date=21 April 2020}} and land borders with Albania, North Macedonia and Turkey are closed, with exemptions for cargo and sanitary transports, among others.{{Cite web|url=https://www.news247.gr/politiki/koronoios-ektakta-metra-kleinoyn-ta-synora-me-alvania-kai-v-makedonia-tilefonima-mitsotaki-se-ieronymo.7602425.html|title=Εκτακτα μέτρα – Κορονοϊός: Κλείνουν τα σύνορα με Αλβανία και Β. Μακεδονία – Παρέμβαση Μητσοτάκη για τις εκκλησίες|website=www.news247.gr|date=15 March 2020 |language=el|access-date=21 April 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.gr/news/ellada/story/212372/koronoios-telos-apo-ta-mesanyxta-oi-ptiseis-apo-vretania-kai-toyrkia|title=Κορωνοϊός: Τέλος οι πτήσεις από Βρετανία και Τουρκία|date=23 March 2020|website=CNN.gr|language=el|access-date=21 April 2020}}

The measures put in place in Greece are some of the most proactive and strict in Europe and have been hailed internationally for slowing the spread of the disease and keeping the number of deaths among the lowest in Europe.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/world/europe/scientists-coronavirus-heroes.html|title=The Rising Heroes of the Coronavirus Era? Nations' Top Scientists|last=Stevis-Gridneff|first=Matina|newspaper=The New York Times|date=5 April 2020|archive-date=7 April 2020|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407020014/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/05/world/europe/scientists-coronavirus-heroes.html|url-status=live}} {{Cite web|url=https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/l-infectiologue-sotirios-tsiodras-nouvelle-coqueluche-des-grecs-20200320|title=L'infectiologue Sotirios Tsiodras, nouvelle coqueluche des Grecs|last=Kefalas|first=Alexia|date=20 March 2020|website=Le Figaro.fr|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=4 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404231317/https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/l-infectiologue-sotirios-tsiodras-nouvelle-coqueluche-des-grecs-20200320|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-04-07/stocks-rally-suggests-turning-point-in-coronavirus-fight|title=Stocks Rally Suggests Turning Point In Coronavirus Fight|newspaper=Bloomberg|date=7 April 2020|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407163400/https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-04-07/stocks-rally-suggests-turning-point-in-coronavirus-fight|url-status=live}} {{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/healthcare/article/greeks-rein-in-rebellious-streak-as-draconian-measures-earn-them-a-reprieve-tznc0bn6s|title=Greeks rein in rebellious streak as draconian measures earn them a reprieve|last=Athens|first=Anthee Carassava|via=www.thetimes.co.uk|archive-date=7 April 2020|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407021033/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/greeks-rein-in-rebellious-streak-as-draconian-measures-earn-them-a-reprieve-tznc0bn6s|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ethnos.gr/kosmos/95931_ellinas-giatros-sto-mpermigham-protypo-i-ellada-i-bretania-se-heiroteri-thesi-apo-tin|title=Ελληνας γιατρός στο Μπέρμιγχαμ: Πρότυπο η Ελλάδα, η Βρετανία σε χειρότερη θέση από την Ιταλία|date=24 March 2020|website=Έθνος}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Italy}}

File:Emergenza coronavirus (49496308758).jpg volunteers carrying out health checks at the Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna]]

The outbreak was confirmed to have spread to Italy on 31 January 2020, when two Chinese tourists tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Rome.{{cite web|url=https://www.corriere.it/cronache/20_gennaio_30/coronavirus-italia-corona-9d6dc436-4343-11ea-bdc8-faf1f56f19b7.shtml|title=Coronavirus: Primi due casi in Italia|date=31 January 2020|trans-title=Coronavirus: First two cases in Italy|website=Corriere della sera|language=it|access-date=31 January 2020|archive-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413231557/https://www.corriere.it/cronache/20_gennaio_30/coronavirus-italia-corona-9d6dc436-4343-11ea-bdc8-faf1f56f19b7.shtml|url-status=live}} In response, the Italian government suspended all flights to and from China and declared a state of emergency, with Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stating that Italy is the first EU country to take this precautionary measure.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thelocal.it/20200131/italy-suspends-all-china-flights-after-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-rome/|title=Italy suspends all China flights as coronavirus cases confirmed in Rome|date=31 January 2020|website=THELOCAL|access-date=26 February 2020|archive-date=1 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200501175941/https://www.thelocal.it/20200131/italy-suspends-all-china-flights-after-coronavirus-cases-confirmed-in-rome|url-status=live}} On 31 January, the Italian Council of Ministers appointed Angelo Borrelli, head of the Civil Protection, as Special Commissioner for the COVID-19 Emergency.{{Cite web |url=https://tg24.sky.it/politica/approfondimenti/angelo-borrelli-chi-e.html |title=Chi è Angelo Borrelli, nominato Commissario per l'emergenza coronavirus |website=tg24.sky.it |date=February 2020 |language=it |access-date=7 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193426/https://tg24.sky.it/politica/approfondimenti/angelo-borrelli-chi-e.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.fanpage.it/politica/coronavirus-angelo-borrelli-nominato-commissario-straordinario-ecco-chi-e/|title=Coronavirus, Angelo Borrelli commissario straordinario: potrà anche requisire gli hotel|website=Fanpage|date=31 January 2020|access-date=10 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193428/https://www.fanpage.it/politica/coronavirus-angelo-borrelli-nominato-commissario-straordinario-ecco-chi-e/|url-status=live}} An unassociated cluster of COVID-19 cases was later further detected starting with 16 confirmed cases in Lombardy on 21 February,{{cite news|last1=Anzolin|first1=Elisa|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-italy/coronavirus-outbreak-grows-in-northern-italy-16-cases-reported-in-one-day-idUSKBN20F0UI|title=coronavirus pandemic grows in northern Italy, 16 cases reported in one day|date=21 February 2020|access-date=21 February 2020|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200221225322/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-health-italy/coronavirus-outbreak-grows-in-northern-italy-16-cases-reported-in-one-day-idUSKBN20F0UI|archive-date=21 February 2020|work=Thomson Reuters|last2=Amante|first2=Angelo|url-access=}} an additional 60 cases on 22 February, and Italy's first deaths reported on the same day.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}}

The Ministry of Health announced new guidelines for reporting cases on 27 February in response to the previous blanket testing that caused case numbers to surge and inflamed public panic.{{Cite web|url=https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/28/news/_polmoniti_anomale_a_meta_gennaio_cosi_e_nato_il_focolaio_di_codogno_-249759796/|title=Coronavirus, polmoniti anomale a metà gennaio: "Così è nato il focolaio di Codogno"|date=27 February 2020|website=la Repubblica|language=it|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228000442/https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/28/news/_polmoniti_anomale_a_meta_gennaio_cosi_e_nato_il_focolaio_di_codogno_-249759796/|url-status=live}} It would no longer report asymptomatic cases (swabs taken from patients which tested positive but were not showing symptoms) which counted as 40 to 50% of all reported cases at the time. These people would undergo isolation at home and would be followed up with new tests until they were negative.{{Cite web|url=https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/28/news/cambia_il_metodo_di_conteggio_esclusi_i_positivi_asintomatici-249765660/|title=Cambia il metodo di conteggio: esclusi i positivi asintomatici|date=27 February 2020|website=la Repubblica|language=it|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-date=28 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228000446/https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/28/news/cambia_il_metodo_di_conteggio_esclusi_i_positivi_asintomatici-249765660/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/italy-virus-count-methods-agencys-urging-69254949|title=Italy blasts virus panic as it eyes new testing criteria|publisher=ABC News|access-date=28 February 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193433/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory/italy-virus-count-methods-agencys-urging-69254949|url-status=live}}

On 22 February, the Italian Council of Ministers announced a new decree law to contain the outbreak, including quarantining more than 50,000 people from 11 different municipalities in northern Italy. Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said "In the outbreak areas, entry and exit will not be provided. Suspension of work activities and sport events has already been ordered in those areas." Punishments for violating of the lockdown range from a fine of 206 euros to 3 months imprisonment. Italian military and law enforcement agencies were instructed to secure and implement the lockdown.

On 3 March, Chinese authorities reported that on 1 and 2 March, eight people who had returned to the county of Qingtian, in East China's Zhejiang province, had the virus. All eight appear to have acquired COVID-19 in the northern town of Bergamo, a virus-ravaged municipality, where they had worked at a restaurant, Qingtian officials said. Chinese authorities called these "backflow cases" — virus carriers who contract the disease outside China, then bring it back to their homeland.Flynn Murphy, Zhang Erchi and Ye Zhanqi, [https://www.caixinglobal.com/2020-03-03/china-faces-growing-virus-threat-from-outside-the-country-101523601.html "China Faces Growing Virus Threat From Outside the Country"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407043328/https://www.caixinglobal.com/2020-03-03/china-faces-growing-virus-threat-from-outside-the-country-101523601.html |date=7 April 2020 }}, Caixin, 3 March 2020

On 4 March, the Italian government ordered the full closure of all schools and universities nationwide as Italy reached 100 deaths. Additionally, all major sporting events, including Serie A football matches, would be held behind closed doors until April.{{Cite news|last1=Palermo|first1=Angela Giuffrida Lorenzo Tondo in|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/04/italy-orders-closure-of-schools-and-universities-due-to-coronavirus|title=Italy orders closure of all schools and universities due to coronavirus|date=4 March 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=4 March 2020|last2=Beaumont|first2=Peter|issn=0261-3077|archive-date=8 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200508134146/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/04/italy-orders-closure-of-schools-and-universities-due-to-coronavirus|url-status=live}} On 9 March, all sport was suspended completely for at least one month.{{Cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/51808683| title=Coronavirus: All sport in Italy suspended because of outbreak| work=BBC Sport| date=9 March 2020| archive-date=12 May 2020| access-date=10 March 2020| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200512035053/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/51808683| url-status=live}}

{{Main|COVID-19 lockdown in Italy}}

On 21 February, at least ten towns in the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy, with a total population of 50,000, were locked down in quarantine procedure following an outbreak in Codogno in Lombardy. Police mandated a curfew closing all public buildings and controlling access through police checkpoints to the so-called 'red zone' which is enforced by penalties for violations ranging from a €206 fine to three months of imprisonment against trespassers who are not health or supply workers. The government of Giuseppe Conte said that sending in the armed forces to enforce the lockdown was a possibility. The governor of Basilicata, Vito Bardi, instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for people arriving from areas in northern Italy affected by the outbreak on 24 February.{{cite web|url=https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/24/news/coronavirus_149_i_casi_confermati_conte_i_contagi_possono_crescere_-249427098/|title=Coronavirus, quarto morto, è un 84enne di Bergamo. Sette regioni coinvolte per 30 milioni di italiani|date=24 February 2020|website=la Repubblica|language=it|access-date=24 February 2020|archive-date=30 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200430065810/https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/24/news/coronavirus_149_i_casi_confermati_conte_i_contagi_possono_crescere_-249427098/|url-status=live}} On the same day, 500 extra police officers were assigned to patrol the quarantined areas in Lodi and Veneto.

On the morning of 8 March 2020, Conte said that much of Italy's northern territories, including Milan and Venice, would be quarantined within their region.{{cite news |last1=Horowitz |first1=Jason |title=Italy Locks Down Much of the Country's North Over the Coronavirus |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/07/world/europe/coronavirus-italy.html |access-date=8 March 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=7 March 2020 |archive-date=8 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200308002308/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/07/world/europe/coronavirus-italy.html |url-status=live }} Conte said the country was locking down all of the populous Lombardy region, with movement restrictions applying to about 16 million people.[https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/italy-coronavirus-milan-lombardy-lockdowns/2020/03/07/403fcea2-60b3-11ea-ac50-18701e14e06d_story.html To contain coronavirus, Italy will restrict movement across much of its northern region, including the city of Milan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309111222/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/italy-coronavirus-milan-lombardy-lockdowns/2020/03/07/403fcea2-60b3-11ea-ac50-18701e14e06d_story.html |date=9 March 2020 }}, Washington Post, Chico Harlan and Stefano Pitrelli, 7 March 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020. This will be the most aggressive response taken in any region beyond China, and will paralyse the wealthiest parts of the country as Italy attempts to constrain the rapid spread of the disease. On 8 March 2020, there have been 7,375 confirmed cases, and 366 deaths in Italy.

On the evening of 9 March 2020, the quarantine was expanded to all of Italy.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51810673|title=Coronavirus: Italy extends strict quarantine measures nationwide|work=BBC News|date=9 March 2020|access-date=9 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193434/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51810673|url-status=live}}

Italy's government has drawn criticism from scientists and WHO, for its decision to suspend direct flights to mainland China that while sounding "tough" on paper, was ineffective as "people can still arrive from risk areas via indirect routes." Walter Ricciardi, professor of Hygiene and Public Health at the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome and a member of the European Advisory Committee on Health Research has said "Italy was wrong, closing flights from China is of no use when there are indirect ones."{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

Italy's government has also been criticised for not testing or enforcing lockdowns sufficiently in some regions,{{Citation|last1=Pisano |first1=Gary P. |last2=Sadun |first2=Raffaella |last3=Zanini |first3=Michele |title=Lessons from Italy's Response to Coronavirus|date=27 March 2020|url=http://hbr.org/2020/03/lessons-from-italys-response-to-coronavirus|journal=Harvard Business Review}} sending mixed messages,{{Cite web|last=Arturo Varvelli|date=11 March 2020|title=Uncharted territory: Italy's response to the coronavirus|url=https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_uncharted_territory_italys_response_to_the_coronavirus|access-date=5 April 2020|website=European Council on Foreign Relations|archive-date=5 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405052506/https://www.ecfr.eu/article/commentary_uncharted_territory_italys_response_to_the_coronavirus|url-status=live}} and downplaying the severity of the situation.{{Cite news|last1=Horowitz|first1=Jason|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/world/europe/italy-coronavirus-center-lessons.html|title=Italy, Pandemic's New Epicenter, Has Lessons for the World|date=21 March 2020|work=The New York Times|access-date=5 April 2020|last2=Bubola|first2=Emma|issn=0362-4331|last3=Povoledo|first3=Elisabetta|archive-date=22 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322023527/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/21/world/europe/italy-coronavirus-center-lessons.html|url-status=live}} Criticism followed disclosures by Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte that protocols had not been followed at the hospital in Codogno, Lombardy that treated "patient 1" which "certainly contributed to the spread" of the virus in Italy, with Conte responding to inquiries by journalists on what protocol was broken with "This is not the time for controversy." In response to a statement by Conte that the central government may need to "revoke regional health policy powers," President of Lombardy Attilio Fontana called Conte's statement "fascist" and "talking nonsense."{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}

On 8 March, plans by the government to quarantine 16 million people in Northern Italy were leaked early by a national newspaper, causing thousands of people to flee the region before it took place. Conte condemned the leak, calling it "unacceptable".{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/12-mistakes-made-that-helped-spread-coronavirus-around-the-world-2020-2#in-northern-italy-plans-by-the-government-to-quarantine-16-million-people-on-march-8-were-leaked-early-by-a-national-newspaper-causing-thousands-of-people-to-flee-the-region-before-the-measures-took-place-3|title=21 mistakes by public health officials and ordinary people that helped spread the coronavirus around the world|last=Ankel|first=Sophia|website=Business Insider|access-date=5 April 2020|archive-date=9 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200409120642/https://www.businessinsider.com/12-mistakes-made-that-helped-spread-coronavirus-around-the-world-2020-2#in-northern-italy-plans-by-the-government-to-quarantine-16-million-people-on-march-8-were-leaked-early-by-a-national-newspaper-causing-thousands-of-people-to-flee-the-region-before-the-measures-took-place-3|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Dutch government response to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Spain}}

{{Expand section|date=April 2020}}

On 31 January 2020, the first case was confirmed when a tourist tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in La Gomera, Spain.{{cite news |last1=Linde |first1=Pablo |title=Sanidad confirma en La Gomera el primer caso de coronavirus en España |url=https://elpais.com/sociedad/2020/01/31/actualidad/1580509404_469734.html |newspaper=El País |access-date=8 March 2020 |language=es |date=1 February 2020 |archive-date=31 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131225909/https://elpais.com/sociedad/2020/01/31/actualidad/1580509404_469734.html |url-status=live }} On 14 March, due to the increased number of cases, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared a state of alarm, placing all citizens in quarantine except for those working in healthcare or other vital activities, closing all non-critical businesses, and only allowing citizens to go outside for activities such as grocery shopping or walking a pet.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20200313/pedro-sanchez-declara-estado-alarma-nacional/2009974.shtml|title=Pedro Sánchez declara el estado de alarma nacional|last=GRANDE|first=ROCÍO GIL|date=13 March 2020|website=RTVE.es|language=es|access-date=16 March 2020|archive-date=15 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200315153446/https://www.rtve.es/noticias/20200313/pedro-sanchez-declara-estado-alarma-nacional/2009974.shtml|url-status=live}}

The Spanish government has received criticism for its perceived slow response to the pandemic, as it did not prevent any concentrations until 11 March when there already were 1,646 infected.[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/25/how-spain-sat-on-its-hands-as-coronavirus-took-hold How coronavirus took just weeks to overwhelm Spain ] in The Guardian[https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/spain-coronavirus-response-analysis How did Spain get its coronavirus response so wrong?] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330000439/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/26/spain-coronavirus-response-analysis |date=30 March 2020 }} in The Guardian The large march in Madrid for International Women's Day (8 March), which was attended by around 120,000 people received special criticism, as this event was promoted and attended by members of the government such as Irene Montero who was later confirmed to be infected.{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/coronavirus-spain-nationwide-lockdown/2020/03/14/3bec8690-6619-11ea-8a8e-5c5336b32760_story.html |title=Spain goes on nationwide lockdown as coronavirus cases surge |access-date=15 March 2020 |date=15 March 2020 |newspaper=Washington Post |archive-date=14 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314203920/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/coronavirus-spain-nationwide-lockdown/2020/03/14/3bec8690-6619-11ea-8a8e-5c5336b32760_story.html |url-status=live }}

{{Main|United Kingdom responses to the COVID-19 pandemic|British government response to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

{{see also|COVID-19 pandemic in England|COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland|COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland|COVID-19 pandemic in Wales}}

{{Expand section|date=April 2020}}

The nature of devolution in the United Kingdom meant that each of the four countries of the UK had its own response to COVID-19 with different rules and restrictions at different times and many of the UK government actions only applying to England.{{cite news |url= https://www.economist.com/britain/2020/06/06/devolution-has-become-less-dysfunctional-during-the-pandemic |title= Ignore the squabbling Devolution has become less dysfunctional during the pandemic |newspaper= The Economist |date= 6 June 2020 |access-date= 24 July 2020 |archive-date= 21 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200721172542/https://www.economist.com/britain/2020/06/06/devolution-has-become-less-dysfunctional-during-the-pandemic |url-status= live }}

On 24 March 2020, the United Kingdom brought in "some of the most far-reaching curbs on personal freedom ever introduced" in peacetime, including a three-week lockdown of the country. This included a ban on public gatherings of more than two people (excluding those one lives with) and the closing down of all non-essential businesses.{{cite news |title=UK brings in strict curbs on life to fight virus |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52014472 |access-date=24 March 2020 |work=BBC News |date=24 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193351/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52014472 |url-status=live }}

The first case of COVID-19 in Scotland was confirmed on 1 March{{cite news |title=Scotland confirms first case of coronavirus |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/scotland-coronavirus-first-case-a4375406.html |access-date=16 March 2020 |work=Evening Standard |date=1 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200302160734/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/scotland-coronavirus-first-case-a4375406.html |archive-date=2 March 2020 |url-status=live }} with the first death of someone with COVID-19 occurring 12 days later.{{cite news |title=First Scottish coronavirus death confirmed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-51874899 |access-date=16 March 2020 |work=BBC News |date=14 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200314140926/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-51874899 |archive-date=14 March 2020 |url-status=live }} The following week, on 20 March, the Scottish government instructed a number of businesses to close, including pubs, cafes, cinemas and bingo halls.{{cite web |title=Businesses told to close |url=https://www.gov.scot/news/pubs-cafes-and-more-told-to-close/ |website=gov.scot |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=11 October 2020 |date=20 March 2020 |archive-date=6 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201006085307/https://www.gov.scot/news/pubs-cafes-and-more-told-to-close// |url-status=live }} On 21 May, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon outlined a four-phase "route map" for easing lockdown restrictions in Scotland to take effect from 28 May subject to the number of new cases of COVID-19 continuing to fall.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-52745643|title=Scottish lockdown easing to begin next week|date=21 May 2020|access-date=12 October 2020|publisher=www.bbc.co.uk|archive-date=22 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522093401/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-52745643|url-status=live}}

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{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in North America}}

{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Costa Rica}}

Since the start of the pandemic, the Ministry of Health, together with the Government, were in charge of informing the general population through a daily press conference. By 6 March, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was registered after several results obtained by INCIENSA (Costa Rican Institute of Research and Teaching in Nutrition and Health). The 49-year-old American woman was isolated, along with her husband in a San José lodging. There were 2 previous suspected cases under investigation. The positive patient arrived with her husband on Sunday, 1 March without symptoms, at the Juan Santamaría airport, they visited Alajuela and Puntarenas, so investigations were carried out from these areas to follow up on contacts, as well as 152 people traveling on the flight that brought them to the country.[https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1555-caso-confirmado-por-covid-19-en-costa-rica 'First case confirmed in Costa Rica'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329095208/https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1555-caso-confirmado-por-covid-19-en-costa-rica |date=29 March 2020 }}, Costarrican Ministry of Health, 6 March

On 9 March, due to the nine confirmed cases of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health in coordination with the National Emergency Commission (CNE) reported that from 10 March, events and concentration activities are canceled massive, both free and paid, while teleworking for public institutions is instructed through the Presidential Directive.[https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1560-gobierno-cancela-eventos-masivos-e-instruye-teletrabajo-para-sector-publico 'Government cancels massive events and instructs telework for the public sector'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412163513/https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1560-gobierno-cancela-eventos-masivos-e-instruye-teletrabajo-para-sector-publico |date=12 April 2020 }}, Costarrican Ministry of Health, 9 March

President Carlos Alvarado Quesada and Minister of Health Daniel Salas announced, on 12 March, preventive closings to educational centers at risk, the reduction in 50% of the approved capacity of public meeting spaces and suspension of trips abroad for public employees. A telephone line is created for inquiries about COVID-19.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1566-segunda-fase-de-atencion-alerta-amarilla-covid-19-cierre-preventivo-a-centros-educativos-en-riesgo-reduccion-en-50-capacidad-de-espacios-de-reunion-y-suspension-de-viajes-al-extranjero-para-empleados-pubicos|title=Segunda fase de atención alerta amarilla COVID-19: Cierre preventivo a centros educativos en riesgo, reducción en 50% capacidad de espacios de reunión y suspensión de viajes al extranjero para empleados públicos|trans-title=Second phase of attention yellow alert COVID-19: Preventive closure to schools at risk, 50% reduction in meeting space capacity and suspension of trips abroad for public employees|website=www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-date=5 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200405124233/https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1566-segunda-fase-de-atencion-alerta-amarilla-covid-19-cierre-preventivo-a-centros-educativos-en-riesgo-reduccion-en-50-capacidad-de-espacios-de-reunion-y-suspension-de-viajes-al-extranjero-para-empleados-pubicos|url-status=live}}

On 15 March, the Ministry of Health made the decision to instruct a total lockdown placing all citizens in quarantine except for those working in healthcare and delivery restaurant and food services. The closure of bars, clubs and casinos and the amusement park was informed. By this date 35 confirmed cases of COVID-19 are registered in the nation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1571-ante-covid-19-lineamientos-se-endurecen-con-el-cierre-total-de-bares-discotecas-y-casinos|title=Ante COVID-19: lineamientos se endurecen con el cierre total de bares, discotecas y casinos|website=www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr|access-date=31 March 2020|archive-date=31 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331160513/https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1571-ante-covid-19-lineamientos-se-endurecen-con-el-cierre-total-de-bares-discotecas-y-casinos|url-status=live}}

On 16 March, The Government declares a state of National Emergency, prevents the arrival of foreigners and lessons are suspended in all schools. Costa Ricans and residents who entered the country will have to carry out mandatory preventive isolation for 14 days. 41 cases are confirmed.[https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1572-gobierno-declara-estado-de-emergencia-nacional-impide-llegada-de-extranjeros-y-se-suspende-lecciones-en-todos-los-centros-educativos-del-pais National Emergency] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200318164443/https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1572-gobierno-declara-estado-de-emergencia-nacional-impide-llegada-de-extranjeros-y-se-suspende-lecciones-en-todos-los-centros-educativos-del-pais |date=18 March 2020 }}, Ministry of Health, 16 March

The first death of a patient confirmed by COVID-19 is recorded by 18 March. This is an 87-year-old man who was hospitalized in intensive care at the Alajuela Hospital.[https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1575-primer-fallecido-por-covid-19 First deceased by COVID-19] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323194006/https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/index.php/centro-de-prensa/noticias/741-noticias-2020/1575-primer-fallecido-por-covid-19 |date=23 March 2020 }}, 18 March, Ministry of Health

By 31 March, were registered 8 in intensive care and 347 people were infected. 4 people recovered.

{{main|United States responses to the COVID-19 pandemic|U.S. federal government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|U.S. state and local government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic|Trump administration communication during the COVID-19 pandemic}}

On 28 January 2020, the federal government publicly released its approach to COVID-19 testing.{{cite news |last1=Greenberg |first1=Jon |last2=Knight |first2=Victoria |title=Mostly False: Joe Biden stated on March 15, 2020 in a Democratic primary debate: "The World Health Organization offered the testing kits that they have available and to give it to us now. We refused them. We did not want to buy them." |url=https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/16/joe-biden/biden-falsely-says-trump-administration-rejected-w/ |access-date=30 March 2020 |work=Politifact |date=16 March 2020 |archive-date=19 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419004124/https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2020/mar/16/joe-biden/biden-falsely-says-trump-administration-rejected-w/ |url-status=live }} Despite this, the U.S. testing effort was slow, obscuring the extent of the outbreak.{{cite news |last1=Whoriskey |first1=Peter |last2=Satija |first2=Neena |title=How U.S. coronavirus testing stalled: Flawed tests, red tape and resistance to using the millions of tests produced by the WHO |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/16/cdc-who-coronavirus-tests/ |access-date=30 March 2020 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=16 March 2020 |archive-date=10 May 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200510170050/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/03/16/cdc-who-coronavirus-tests/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Wang |first1=Jessica |last2=Huth |first2=Lindsay |last3=Umlauf |first3=Taylor |last4=Wang |first4=Elbert |last5=McKay |first5=Betsy |title=How the CDC's Restrictive Testing Guidelines Hid the Coronavirus Epidemic |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-cdcs-restrictive-testing-guidelines-hid-the-coronavirus-epidemic-11584882001 |access-date=30 March 2020 |archive-date=22 March 2020 |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=22 March 2020 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200322161141/https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-cdcs-restrictive-testing-guidelines-hid-the-coronavirus-epidemic-11584882001}} Many of the 160,000 test kits produced in February were found to be defective and were not used. Academic laboratories, hospitals and private companies were not allowed to use their own tests until 29 February, when the FDA started issuing approvals for them. Initially, there were eligibility restrictions for receiving a COVID-19 test (based on recent international travel, hospitalization for respiratory illness, or contact with another person already diagnosed with COVID-19). By 27 February 2020, fewer than 4,000 tests had been conducted in the United States. On March{{nbsp}}5, 2020, the CDC relaxed its restrictions, allowing doctors to decide whom to test; a week later, nearly 14,000 tests had been performed.{{cite news |last1=Khazan |first1=Olga |title=The 4 Key Reasons the U.S. Is So Behind on Coronavirus Testing |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/why-coronavirus-testing-us-so-delayed/607954/ |access-date=30 March 2020 |work=The Atlantic |date=13 March 2020 |archive-date=31 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331193354/https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/03/why-coronavirus-testing-us-so-delayed/607954/ |url-status=live }} Federal funding was used to run 41 "community-based testing sites" (CBTS), but the federal government said it would stop this funding on 10 April; as a result of that decision, some of these testing sites were expected to close, shifting demand to hospitals. Those that remain open will likely be funded by states.{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/08/829955099/federal-support-for-coronavirus-testing-sites-end-as-peak-nears|title=Federal Support Ends For Coronavirus Testing Sites As Pandemic Peak Nears|last=Brady|first=Jeff|date=8 April 2020|website=NPR|access-date=9 April 2020|archive-date=8 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408212501/https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/04/08/829955099/federal-support-for-coronavirus-testing-sites-end-as-peak-nears|url-status=live}}

On 31 January 2020, President Donald Trump issued a proclamation limiting entry into the United States, as immigrants or nonimmigrants, of all aliens who were physically present within the People's Republic of China, excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States.{{cite web|url=https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/|via=National Archives|work=whitehouse.gov|title=Proclamation on Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Persons who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus|access-date=25 February 2021|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120202014/https://trumpwhitehouse.archives.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/|url-status=live}}

The first six confirmed deaths in the United States were reported in late February 2020 in the Pacific Northwest state of Washington. By 8 March 2020, there were 22 U.S. deaths and over 500 reported cases.[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/08/world/coronavirus-news.html In U.S., Cases of Coronavirus Cross 500, and Deaths Rise to 22] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200309084006/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/08/world/coronavirus-news.html |date=9 March 2020 }}, New York Times, 9 March 2020. Retrieved 9 March 2020. A month later, on 8 April, there were 14,000 U.S. deaths and over 430,000 reported cases.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html|title=Coronavirus in the U.S.: Latest Map and Case Count|date=9 April 2020|work=New York Times|access-date=9 April 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=10 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200410111742/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/coronavirus-us-cases.html|url-status=live}}

The U.S. federal government's health inspectors surveyed 323 hospitals in late March, reporting "severe shortages" of test supplies, "widespread shortages" of PPE, and other strained resources due to extended patient stays while awaiting test results.{{cite web |last1=Grimm |first1=Christi |title=Hospital Experiences Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a National Pulse Survey March 23–27, 2020 |url=https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-06-20-00300.pdf |access-date=18 April 2020 |publisher=Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009092355/https://oig.hhs.gov/oei/reports/oei-06-20-00300.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Robertson |first1=Lori |title=The HHS Inspector General Report |date=7 April 2020 |url=https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/the-hhs-inspector-general-report/ |publisher=Factcheck.org |access-date=21 April 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009092400/https://www.factcheck.org/2020/04/the-hhs-inspector-general-report// |url-status=live }}

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• {{Flagdeco|Guadeloupe|local}} Guadeloupe
• 25px Guatemala
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• {{Flagdeco|Martinique|local}} Martinique
• 25px Mexico
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• 25px Saba
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• 25px Saint Kitts and Nevis
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• {{Flagdeco|Saint Pierre and Miquelon|local}} Saint Pierre and Miquelon
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{{Excerpt|COVID-19 pandemic in Australia|National Cabinet}}

{{Main|COVID-19 pandemic in Fiji}}

At the beginning of February, the Government of Fiji announced a travel ban to China.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-to-close-boarders-to-foreign-nationals-amidst-coronavirus-outbreak/|title=Fiji toughens on border entry amidst coronavirus concerns|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=2 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202191732/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fiji-to-close-boarders-to-foreign-nationals-amidst-coronavirus-outbreak/|url-status=dead}} As the disease started spreading to other countries, Fiji extended the travel ban to Italy, Iran and South Korea.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/410521/coronavirus-fiji-extends-travel-ban-amid-growing-concerns|title=Coronavirus: Fiji extends travel ban amid growing concerns|website=amp.rnz.co.nz|access-date=2 April 2020}}

On 19 March, Fiji confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in Lautoka.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fijivillage.com/news/COVID-19-patient-is-a-27-year-old-flight-attendant-who-had-recent-travel-history-to-USA-and-NZ---Dr-Sahukhan-4x8rf5/|title=COVID-19 patient is a 27-year-old flight attendant who had recent travel history to USA and NZ – Dr. Sahukhan|last=Fijivillage|website=www.fijivillage.com|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=20 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320024938/https://www.fijivillage.com/news/COVID-19-patient-is-a-27-year-old-flight-attendant-who-had-recent-travel-history-to-USA-and-NZ---Dr-Sahukhan-4x8rf5/|url-status=live}} As a precautionary measure, the Government of Fiji announced the lockdown of the city until 7 April 2020{{Cite web|url=https://www.fijitimes.com/covid-19-lautoka-schools-closed-until-further-notice/|title=COVID-19: Lautoka schools closed until further notice|website=FijiTimes|date=19 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319150350/https://www.fijitimes.com/covid-19-lautoka-schools-closed-until-further-notice/|url-status=live}} and the travel ban was further extended to the United States and the whole of Europe including the United Kingdom.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/covid-19/pm-announces-major-restrictions-including-closure-of-some-services-due-to-covid-19/|title=PM announces major restrictions due to COVID-19|last=Singh|first=Indra|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=19 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319163738/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/covid-19/pm-announces-major-restrictions-including-closure-of-some-services-due-to-covid-19/|url-status=dead}} On 26 March, the country closed its main international airport in Nadi and all local shipping services was ceased.{{Cite web|title=Nadi Airport to close, shipping services end Sunday|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/covid-19/nadi-airport-to-close-shipping-services-end-sunday/|last=Singh|first=Indra|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=29 May 2020|archive-date=25 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325034548/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/covid-19/nadi-airport-to-close-shipping-services-end-sunday/|url-status=dead}} Later on 2 April, the Government announced a lockdown of Suva, after confirmed cases in the capital.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/covid-19/fiji-confirms-latest-cases-of-covid-19/|title=Nabua couple are latest COVID-19 patients, Suva in lockdown from tomorrow|last=Singh|first=Indra|website=Fiji Broadcasting Corporation|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=6 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200406112905/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/covid-19/fiji-confirms-latest-cases-of-covid-19/|url-status=dead}}

As cases rose, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama announced a nationwide curfew from 8pm to 5am and social gatherings was banned. Schools and non-essential services were closed and the public was advised to stay at home and practice good hygiene.{{Cite web|url=https://www.fijitimes.com/nationwide-curfew-to-come-into-effect-from-sunday/|title=COVID-19: Nationwide curfew to come into effect from Monday|website=FijiTimes|date=26 March 2020|access-date=2 April 2020|archive-date=27 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200327084819/https://www.fijitimes.com/nationwide-curfew-to-come-into-effect-from-sunday/|url-status=live}}

{{Excerpt|New Zealand government response to the COVID-19 pandemic|paragraphs=1-4}}

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{{main|COVID-19 pandemic in South America}}

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was criticized due to "lax handling" of the outbreak and after calling it a "fantasy".{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-brazil/coronavirus-thumps-brazil-prompting-nationwide-cries-of-bolsonaro-out-idUSKBN2152FK|title=Coronavirus thumps Brazil, prompting nationwide cries of 'Bolsonaro Out!'|website=Reuters.com|date=19 March 2020|access-date=23 March 2020}} His lack of action has also prompted many protests across the country since 18 March 2020.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/22/brazilians-protest-bolsonaro-coronavirus-panelaco |title=Brazilians protest over Bolsonaro's muddled coronavirus response|work=The Guardian|date=22 March 2020|access-date=23 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://oglobo.globo.com/brasil/panelacos-contra-bolsonaro-acontecem-em-varias-cidades-do-pais-1-24313585|title=Panelaços contra Bolsonaro acontecem em várias cidades do país|website=O GLOBO|date=18 March 2020|language=pt|access-date=23 March 2020}} Days before, on 15 March, Bolsonaro received harsh criticism after attending a pro-government demonstration in Brasília on which he had physical contact with more than two hundred people, against the recommendations of his own Minister of Health.{{Cite web|url=https://g1.globo.com/politica/noticia/2020/03/15/mesmo-com-recomendacao-de-monitoramento-por-coronavirus-bolsonaro-participa-de-carro-de-ato-em-brasilia.ghtml|title=Bolsonaro descumpre monitoramento por coronavírus, participa de ato e cumprimenta apoiadores no DF|website=G1|date=15 March 2020 |language=pt|access-date=23 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.correiobraziliense.com.br/app/noticia/politica/2020/03/16/interna_politica,834570/bolsonaro-teve-contato-direto-com-ao-menos-272-pessoas-durante-ato-df.shtml|title=Bolsonaro teve contato direto com ao menos 272 pessoas durante ato no DF|website=Correio Braziliense|date=16 March 2020 |language=pt |access-date=23 March 2020}} Following the event, the president of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, Rodrigo Maia, said that Bolsonaro's acts were an "attack on public health", going against his own government guidelines, while Davi Alcolumbre, president of the Brazilian Senate, classified Bolsonaro's behaviour as "inconsequential".{{Cite web|url=https://oglobo.globo.com/brasil/bolsonaro-comete-atentado-saude-publica-em-manifestacao-diz-maia-24306764|title="Bolsonaro comete 'atentado à saúde pública' em manifestação", diz Maia|website=O GLOBO|date=15 March 2020|language=pt|access-date=23 March 2020}} The Brazilian Ministry of Health has also been criticized for not providing enough test kits, which may muddle the efforts to contain the outbreak in the country.{{Cite web|url=https://piaui.folha.uol.com.br/pouco-teste-para-muito-virus/|title=POUCO TESTE PARA MUITO VÍRUS|website=Piauí|language=pt|access-date=23 March 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.redebrasilatual.com.br/saude-e-ciencia/2020/03/ausencia-de-testes-de-coronavirus-e-derrota-para-o-pais-diz-infectologista/|title=Ausência de testes de coronavírus é derrota para o país, diz infectologista|website=redebrasilatual.com.br|date=19 March 2020|language=pt|access-date=23 March 2020}}

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The response to the pandemic has resulted in unprecedented expansion of government power. Advocates of small government worry that the state will be reluctant to give up that power once the crisis is over, as has often been the case historically.The Economist, 28 March 2020, page 7.

• List of COVID-19 pandemic legislation
• COVID-19 lockdowns
• Economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic#Economic recovery programmes
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on religion
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education
• International aid related to the COVID-19 pandemic

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web |title=Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins CSSE |url=https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6 |publisher=Johns Hopkins University (JHU)|website=gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com |access-date=9 March 2020}}

{{cite web|url=https://milano.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/21/news/coronavirus_codogno_castiglione_d_adda_contagiati_misure_sicurezza-249154447/|title=Coronavirus, in dieci comuni lombardi: 50 mila persone costrette a restare in casa. Quarantena all'ospedale milanese di Baggio|date=21 February 2020|website=la Repubblica|language=it|access-date=23 February 2020}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.repubblica.it/cronaca/2020/02/22/news/decreto_governo_contro_coronavirus-249308355/|title=Coronavirus, decreto del governo: nei comuni focolaio stop ad ingressi ed uscite. Conte: "Non trasformeremo l'Italia in un lazzaretto"|date=22 February 2020|website=la Repubblica|language=it|access-date=22 February 2020}}

{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51599748|title=Coronavirus: Inter Milan v Sampdoria among Serie A games postponed|date=22 February 2020|work=BBC Sport|access-date=23 February 2020}}

{{cite web|url=https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/coronavirus-chi-viola-quarantena-rischia-l-arresto-fino-tre-mesi-ACrcnLLB|title=Coronavirus, come funziona la quarantena e cosa rischia chi la viola (l'arresto)|website=Il Sole 24 ORE|date=22 February 2020}}

{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-51602007|title=Venice Carnival closes amid coronavirus pandemic|date=23 February 2020|publisher=BBC}}

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• [https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/research/research-projects/covid-19-government-response-tracker Oxford Covid-19 Government Response Tracker (OxCGRT)]
• [https://ourworldindata.org/policy-responses-covid Visualizations of data and research from OxCGRT] by Our World in Data

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Domestic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic}}

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