What day did the pandemic start to feel real? For many in the US, it was a year ago today: March 11, 2020.
We talked to more than 60 people — from Anthony Fauci to Chet Hanks — about what it was like on the day COVID swallowed everything. buzzfeednews.com/article/buzzfe…
We talked to more than 60 people — from Anthony Fauci to Chet Hanks — about what it was like on the day COVID swallowed everything. buzzfeednews.com/article/buzzfe…
If that whirlwind day is a blur for you, here's a reminder of just *some* of what went down on the day the pandemic consumed life as we know it 👇
7:00 a.m. ET
NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK
In New Rochelle, just north of New York City, residents wake up on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in the first COVID-19 “containment zone” in the US. Nationally, the coronavirus is known to have killed 31 people and infected just over 1,000.
NEW ROCHELLE, NEW YORK
In New Rochelle, just north of New York City, residents wake up on Wednesday, March 11, 2020, in the first COVID-19 “containment zone” in the US. Nationally, the coronavirus is known to have killed 31 people and infected just over 1,000.
5:00 p.m. local time
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
WHO officials hold a press conference at their Geneva headquarters. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declares a pandemic, meaning the virus is spreading outside containment measures in multiple countries worldwide.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND
WHO officials hold a press conference at their Geneva headquarters. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declares a pandemic, meaning the virus is spreading outside containment measures in multiple countries worldwide.
10:50 p.m. local time
ROME, ITALY
PM Giuseppe Conte announces all nonessential businesses, including restaurants, bars, salons, cinemas, and museums, will shut until at least March 25 after an outbreak in the north has spread to more than 12,462 confirmed cases and 827 deaths.
ROME, ITALY
PM Giuseppe Conte announces all nonessential businesses, including restaurants, bars, salons, cinemas, and museums, will shut until at least March 25 after an outbreak in the north has spread to more than 12,462 confirmed cases and 827 deaths.
9:00 p.m. ET
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican nominee for vice president, is revealed as the latest eliminated contestant on The Masked Singer. The episode was filmed in January 2020, but her involvement was a secret until airing.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Sarah Palin, former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican nominee for vice president, is revealed as the latest eliminated contestant on The Masked Singer. The episode was filmed in January 2020, but her involvement was a secret until airing.
9:00 p.m.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
President Trump announces the US will suspend travel from much of Europe for at least 30 days. The wording of the speech causes many to incorrectly believe all trade will be suspended and prompts panicked Americans abroad to race to buy tickets home.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
President Trump announces the US will suspend travel from much of Europe for at least 30 days. The wording of the speech causes many to incorrectly believe all trade will be suspended and prompts panicked Americans abroad to race to buy tickets home.
9:03 p.m. ET
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
At 9:03 p.m., Deadline reveals Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have tested positive for COVID-19 while in the Australian state of Queensland. Minutes later, Hanks confirms the news in an Instagram post from Gold Coast University Hospital.
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA
At 9:03 p.m., Deadline reveals Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have tested positive for COVID-19 while in the Australian state of Queensland. Minutes later, Hanks confirms the news in an Instagram post from Gold Coast University Hospital.
9:31 p.m. ET
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski tweets that the NBA has suspended its season. It comes two days after Rudy Gobert mocked NBA guidance on physical distancing by playfully touching every recorder and mic during a press conference.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA
ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski tweets that the NBA has suspended its season. It comes two days after Rudy Gobert mocked NBA guidance on physical distancing by playfully touching every recorder and mic during a press conference.
10:00 p.m.
TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY
Around 10:30 p.m. ET, many Broadway shows are ending. A @nytimes story published earlier in the afternoon about an usher who tested positive for COVID-19 has gone viral. The next day, Gov. Andrew Cuomo will announce theaters are closing.
TIMES SQUARE, NEW YORK CITY
Around 10:30 p.m. ET, many Broadway shows are ending. A @nytimes story published earlier in the afternoon about an usher who tested positive for COVID-19 has gone viral. The next day, Gov. Andrew Cuomo will announce theaters are closing.
Read more in our oral history to learn what it was like behind the scenes on March 11, 2020. buzzfeednews.com/article/buzzfe…
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