World 2020 Timeline

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Dec
17
Politics / Government

An ombudsman report finds that the Victorian state government's decision to briefly impose a "hard lockdown" on public housing towers in July in response to the

An ombudsman report finds that the Victorian state government's decision to briefly impose a "hard lockdown" on public housing towers in July in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, not allowing anyone in or out, was a violation of human rights. The state government refuses to apologise to the tower residents despite the report's recommendations. (The Guardian)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
17
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in France President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 pandemic in France President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, Secretary-General of the OECD José Ángel Gurría and President of the European Council Charles Michel self-isolate after having contact with Macron earlier this week. (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
17
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Japan The Tokyo Metropolitan Government raises its healthcare alert level to the top level for the first time as the number of infections c

COVID-19 pandemic in Japan The Tokyo Metropolitan Government raises its healthcare alert level to the top level for the first time as the number of infections continues to increase. This comes as Tokyo reports a record of 822 new cases in the past 24 hours. (The Straits Times)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
17
Politics / Government

Human rights in Australia An ombudsman report finds that the Victorian state government's decision to briefly impose a "hard lockdown" on public housing towers

Human rights in Australia An ombudsman report finds that the Victorian state government's decision to briefly impose a "hard lockdown" on public housing towers in July in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, not allowing anyone in or out, was a violation of human rights. The state government refuses to apologise to the tower residents despite the report's recommendations. (The Guardian)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
17
Politics / Government

Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Nancy Shukri announces that the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultur

Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Nancy Shukri announces that the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage has listed pantun and wangkang on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists. This marks the first time that Malaysia has gained UNESCO recognition along with other countries, as the pantun was jointly nominated with Indonesia and the wangkang ceremony was jointly nominated with China. (NST)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
17
Politics / Government

President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19.

President Emmanuel Macron tests positive for COVID-19. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa, Secretary-General of the OECD José Ángel Gurría and President of the European Council Charles Michel self-isolate after having contact with Macron earlier this week. (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
17
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Poland Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announces a nationwide lockdown that will close hotels and ski slopes from December 28 to January 1

COVID-19 pandemic in Poland Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announces a nationwide lockdown that will close hotels and ski slopes from December 28 to January 17. He also says that a curfew will be imposed on New Year's Eve from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time. (Poland In)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
17
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The Netherlands reports a new single-day record of 12,844 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 652,525.

COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands The Netherlands reports a new single-day record of 12,844 cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 652,525. (NL Times) Dutch Health Minister Hugo de Jonge says that vaccinations using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine will begin on January 8 if the European Medicines Agency approves it for use next week. (ABC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 17, 2020
Dec
18
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria The Lagos State Government orders all public and private schools in the state to close until further notice.

COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria The Lagos State Government orders all public and private schools in the state to close until further notice. The government also recommends that all public servants from Grade Level 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, work from home for 14 days beginning December 21. (Nairametrics)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 18, 2020
Dec
18
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland The Swiss government announces that restaurants, bars and sports and leisure centres, as well as libraries, museums and other c

COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland The Swiss government announces that restaurants, bars and sports and leisure centres, as well as libraries, museums and other cultural institutions will close on December 22 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as the total numbers of cases and deaths surpass 400,000 and 6,000 respectively. (Swiss Info)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 18, 2020
Dec
18
Politics / Government

The Swiss government announces that restaurants, bars and sports and leisure centres, as well as libraries, museums and other cultural institutions will close o

The Swiss government announces that restaurants, bars and sports and leisure centres, as well as libraries, museums and other cultural institutions will close on December 22 to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as the total numbers of cases and deaths surpass 400,000 and 6,000 respectively. (Swiss Info)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 18, 2020
Dec
18
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announces a second nationwide "red zone" lockdown from December 24

COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Italy Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announces a second nationwide "red zone" lockdown from December 24–27, December 31–January 3, and January 5–6. On those days, people will only be allowed to travel for work, health or emergency reasons. An "orange zone", where shops are allowed to open, will be in effect from December 28–30 and on January 4. However, all bars and restaurants will remain closed during the holiday season. (Reuters)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 18, 2020
Dec
18
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announces new measures to reduce the second wave of the pandemic.

COVID-19 pandemic in Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announces new measures to reduce the second wave of the pandemic. All non-essential public services will close until January 24, alcohol sales will be banned after 8:00 p.m. local time, and the number of people at restaurants will be limited to four per table. It also recommended to use face masks on public transport at certain times. (The Local Sweden)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 18, 2020
Dec
18
Politics / Government

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announces a second nationwide "red zone" lockdown from December 24–27, December 31–January 3, and January 5–6.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announces a second nationwide "red zone" lockdown from December 24–27, December 31–January 3, and January 5–6. On those days, people will only be allowed to travel for work, health or emergency reasons. An "orange zone", where shops are allowed to open, will be in effect from December 28–30 and on January 4. However, all bars and restaurants will remain closed during the holiday season. (Reuters)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 18, 2020
Dec
18
Politics / Government

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announces new measures to reduce the second wave of the pandemic.

Prime Minister Stefan Löfven announces new measures to reduce the second wave of the pandemic. All non-essential public services will close until January 24, alcohol sales will be banned after 8:00 p.m. local time, and the number of people at restaurants will be limited to four per table. It also recommended to use face masks on public transport at certain times. (The Local Sweden)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 18, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

2020 United States federal government data breach President Donald Trump speaks for the first time about the breach, saying it is "well in control".

2020 United States federal government data breach President Donald Trump speaks for the first time about the breach, saying it is "well in control". He also suggests China is to blame, contradicting earlier U.S. government claims that put forward Russia as a suspect. (NBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

2020 Central African general election The leaders of three of the main armed groups of the Central African Republic announce a coalition for next week's general

2020 Central African general election The leaders of three of the main armed groups of the Central African Republic announce a coalition for next week's general election, a move that could further increase tensions ahead of the election, where the opposition fears massive voter fraud. The armed groups named themselves the Coalition of Patriots for Change and invited other armed groups to join, while urging them to protect the integrity of civilians. (Al Jazeera)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports The 2020 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is cancelled for the first time in the race's 76-

COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sports The 2020 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is cancelled for the first time in the race's 76-year history after the Tasmanian Government imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement on all travellers from Greater Sydney due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Beaches. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

The 2020 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is cancelled for the first time in the race's 76-year history after the Tasmanian Government imposed a 14-day quarantine re

The 2020 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race is cancelled for the first time in the race's 76-year history after the Tasmanian Government imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement on all travellers from Greater Sydney due to the COVID-19 outbreak in the Northern Beaches. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

The leaders of three of the main armed groups of the Central African Republic announce a coalition for next week's general election, a move that could further i

The leaders of three of the main armed groups of the Central African Republic announce a coalition for next week's general election, a move that could further increase tensions ahead of the election, where the opposition fears massive voter fraud. The armed groups named themselves the Coalition of Patriots for Change and invited other armed groups to join, while urging them to protect the integrity of civilians. (Al Jazeera)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the introduction of "Tier 4" restrictions in London and South East England beginning at midnight.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the introduction of "Tier 4" restrictions in London and South East England beginning at midnight. Households in those areas are to be banned from mixing over the festive season, while in the rest of the country, mixing of households will only be allowed on Christmas Day. (ITV)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in England British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the introduction of "Tier 4" restrictions in London and South East England beginning

COVID-19 pandemic in England British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announces the introduction of "Tier 4" restrictions in London and South East England beginning at midnight. Households in those areas are to be banned from mixing over the festive season, while in the rest of the country, mixing of households will only be allowed on Christmas Day. (ITV)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces a travel ban to the rest of the United Kingdom and imposes the toughest level of restrict

COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces a travel ban to the rest of the United Kingdom and imposes the toughest level of restrictions across Scotland for three weeks beginning on Boxing Day. In addition, household mixing will now only be allowed on Christmas Day. (The Independent)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Wales, Variant of Concern 202012/01 First Minister Mark Drakeford announces that after urgent talks with ministers over the discovery of a

COVID-19 pandemic in Wales, Variant of Concern 202012/01 First Minister Mark Drakeford announces that after urgent talks with ministers over the discovery of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the planned lockdown will now begin at midnight instead of on December 28. (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
19
Politics / Government

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces a travel ban to the rest of the United Kingdom and imposes the toughest level of restrictions across Scotland for three

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announces a travel ban to the rest of the United Kingdom and imposes the toughest level of restrictions across Scotland for three weeks beginning on Boxing Day. In addition, household mixing will now only be allowed on Christmas Day. (The Independent)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 19, 2020
Dec
20
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Nunavut Nunavut reports its first two deaths from COVID-19 complications.

COVID-19 pandemic in Canada COVID-19 pandemic in Nunavut Nunavut reports its first two deaths from COVID-19 complications. (Toronto Star) Variant of Concern 202012/01 The federal government restricts travel to and from the United Kingdom for 72 hours from tomorrow due to emergence to a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. The restrictions do not apply to cargo flights or stops where passengers do not disembark. (CTV News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 20, 2020
Dec
20
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, Variant of Concern 202012/01 The government orders a ban on passenger flights from the United Kingdom from 6:00 a.m.

COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, Variant of Concern 202012/01 The government orders a ban on passenger flights from the United Kingdom from 6:00 a.m. today until at least January 1 due to the spread of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK, with a case of the variant already having been reported in the Netherlands. (The Independent)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 20, 2020
Dec
20
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan announces that the government will impose a 48-hour

COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan announces that the government will impose a 48-hour ban on flights to and from the United Kingdom from tomorrow following emergence of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, while ferries will be limited to freight travel. (RTE)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 20, 2020
Dec
20
Politics / Government

Variant of Concern 202012/01 The federal government restricts travel to and from the United Kingdom for 72 hours from tomorrow due to emergence to a new variant

Variant of Concern 202012/01 The federal government restricts travel to and from the United Kingdom for 72 hours from tomorrow due to emergence to a new variant of SARS-CoV-2. The restrictions do not apply to cargo flights or stops where passengers do not disembark. (CTV News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 20, 2020
Dec
21
Politics / Government

Central African Republic Civil War Rwanda deploys what it calls a "protection force" to the Central African Republic after its peacekeepers were attacked by adv

Central African Republic Civil War Rwanda deploys what it calls a "protection force" to the Central African Republic after its peacekeepers were attacked by advancing rebel forces on the capital Bangui. The Rwandan and Central African Republic governments accuse former President François Bozizé of backing the rebels and plotting a coup, which he denies. Russia also sends troops and heavy weaponry to support the government. (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 21, 2020
Dec
21
Politics / Government

Rwanda deploys what it calls a "protection force" to the Central African Republic after its peacekeepers were attacked by advancing rebel forces on the capital

Rwanda deploys what it calls a "protection force" to the Central African Republic after its peacekeepers were attacked by advancing rebel forces on the capital Bangui. The Rwandan and Central African Republic governments accuse former President François Bozizé of backing the rebels and plotting a coup, which he denies. Russia also sends troops and heavy weaponry to support the government. (BBC News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 21, 2020
Dec
21
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Maharashtra will impose a curfew in Mumbai and other major cities from 11:00 p.m.

COVID-19 pandemic in Maharashtra, Variant of Concern 202012/01 Maharashtra will impose a curfew in Mumbai and other major cities from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. IST beginning tomorrow until January 5 in order to prevent the spread of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2 that was discovered in the United Kingdom. The state government also imposes a 14-day quarantine for anyone travelling from Europe and the Middle East. (Livemint)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 21, 2020
Dec
21
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco Morocco's government announces that they will impose a nationwide curfew from 9:00 p.m.

COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco Morocco's government announces that they will impose a nationwide curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time and will require all cafes, shops, supermarkets, and restaurants to close at 8:00 p.m. beginning December 23. In Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, and Tangier, all restaurants will be closed for three weeks. (Morocco World News)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 21, 2020
Dec
21
Politics / Government

COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal, COVID-19 pandemic in Spain The Spanish government announce the suspension of all flights from Spain to the United Kingdom beginni

COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal, COVID-19 pandemic in Spain The Spanish government announce the suspension of all flights from Spain to the United Kingdom beginning tomorrow, with the exception of flights for Spanish citizens residents of Spain. This comes a day after a similar suspension was announced by Portugal. (El Pais in English)

Source: Wikipedia Current Events | Dec 21, 2020
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