Samuel Cooper

Samuel Cooper, my 3 x great grandfather, was probably born in Montacute, Somerset or a nearby parish in about 1789, no baptism record has been found for him yet. His parents John Cooper and Ann Pullman had married in Stoke sub Hamdon in the summer of 1784. The marriage record says they were both of the parish although John was described as a Sojourner.

Samuel earned his living as a Tailor, it is unclear where he learned this trade but occupations in the rag-trade feature throughout the census’ of the mid 19^th century. Perhaps his father was also a Tailor, but no records survive to confirm that. Almost as many townsfolk were listed as Glovers, Leather dressers, Weavers and Tailors as were recorded as Ag Labs in the 1841 and 1851 census’.

Samuel’s brothers John and Uriah are often mentioned in the Churchwarden’s accounts for St Catherine’s, Montacute, being paid for work on the roads in the parish, cleaning the inside of the church tower, washing down the wall between the church and the chancel, picking up boundary stones and other menial tasks. Samuel’s father John died in March 1810, most likely a few days after the baptism of his son Thomas, who subsequently died a month later. From the church records for Stoke sub Hamdon and Montacute it seems John and Ann had at least 10 children, however only half of them lived to adulthood. After John’s death Ann often appeared in the Churchwarden accounts receiving financial assistance from the parish.

Samuel’s sisters Ann and Mary married in 1812 and 1818. Mary died just six years later, Ann however lived to be 101, almost 102. Samuel married Charlotte Hann on 11 May 1818 in St Catherine, Montacute, 6 weeks after his sister Mary had married. He and Charlotte had a son Charles in September, followed by a daughter Mary Anne in January 1820. Charlotte died in the same month. It is unclear whether Mary Ann survived, however on the 1841 census there is an Annie Cooper of the right age, a Glover and single parent. There only seems to be one Cooper family in Montacute and Yeovil this whole time, so maybe ?

On the 1821 census, found amongst the documents in the parish chest (and available thanks to the Church of the Latter Day Saints), only the name of the householder is recorded, then tally marks to denote the numbers of people within given age frames and identifying their occupations. Samuel is there, living alone and engaged in a trade. His mother Ann is in a different house, where his brother John is recorded as the householder. John is engaged in agricultural work. The ages of the others, a male aged 10-15, 2 males aged 20-30, another 30-40 and a female aged 50-60 seem likely to be Ann 57, her sons, John 33 & Uriah 13 and two other unknown people. Not knowing the name of Charlotte’s father made it difficult to place Samuel’s children. Hann is a much more common name in Montacute than Cooper ! However the Churchwarden accounts record Samuel receiving assistance from the parish for himself and his child/children up until 1821.

Samuel remarried on 17 September 1821 to Elizabeth Hill. In the margin of the church register is a note "First marriage solemnized after rebuilding of the chancel". There don’t seem to be many people named Hill either in Montacute so nothing is known of Elizabeth prior to her marriage. But, she is definitely a Hill despite many people naming her otherwise in their trees having accepted an error on her eldest son’s death certificate as correct. I now have 4 documents where her maiden name is correctly recorded as Hill.

Of his siblings, Samuel appears to be the only one who could sign his name. He did this for both of his marriages, and also as a witness to another marriage in the parish. Charlotte his first wife signed her name, but Elizabeth did not. As a Tailor and businessman, the ability to read and write would have been necessary, I imagine.

Emigration schemes to New Zealand enticing free settlers to take the opportunity to settle a new colony at the far reaches of the globe began advertising in the late 1830’s. I guess we will never really know what Samuel’s motivation was to pack up his family and leave for New Zealand. At about the same time his brother Uriah was planning to leave Montacute too, although he would make his new life in the colonies which later became Australia.

Competition for work, and overall work opportunities may have been deciding factors. Times were changing in 1830/1840s England. Cottage industry weavers and glovers were being replaced by larger urban factories. Even in a tiny village like Montacute there were about 7 other Tailors in the 1841 census.

Samuel & Elizabeth applied for passage to Wellington on the Lord William Bentinck but did not sail for some reason, re-applying instead a few months later for passage on the Oriental which was to leave Plymouth bound for Wellington and New Plymouth. Their youngest son Frederick was 5 months old at the time of their application for passage on the Oriental. So perhaps they had decided to wait until he was a little older before travelling. He would have been about 8 months old had they sailed on the Lord William Bentinck compared to 14 months when the Oriental sailed. 

Samuel and his family don't appear on the 1841 census in Montacute - and so far nowhere else either. The census was taken on 6 June 1841 and the Oriental sailed from Plymouth on 22 June. I have wondered if they were somewhere en route, or perhaps even on board as ships in port were not enumrated in 1841. However being on board twelve days prior to sailing seems a bit extreme, especially since I discovered another family who emigrated on an earlier sailing still at home on census night. Perhaps they just decided not to complete the census as they were leaving.

Samuel’s son Charles, from his first marriage, was married with two children by 1841. He has been a little elusive to track since then – but I think I might have found him in Yeovil. Some more research is required.

Once in Wellington, the family lived in Thorndon Flat, around Little Pipitea, Mulgrave and Molesworth Streets. Samuel continued to make his living as a Tailor. Samuel and Elizabeth had one more child after their arrival in Wellington. Most of their children had married and were growing their own families by the time Samuel died in 1866 and Elizabeth in 1869. Like most early settlers in Wellington they were buried at the Bolton Street Cemetery.

  

V- Vose

Edward Vose was born in Liverpool, Lancasshire on the 12 April 1798 and baptised at Our Lady & St Nicholas on 20 May. The church record notes that he was the first child for his parents Thomas and Mary (nee Ellis), and that they had been married “in this chapel”. At the time of Edward's birth the family lived at Cheetham Brow and his father was a joiner. Eighteen months later at his sister Elizabeth’s baptism they were living in Vernon Street.

Nothing else is known of Edward’s early life. His military record indicates that he joined the Royal Engineers (later the Corps of Royal Sappers and Miners) as a Bugler in 1815. The period of service from 31 December 1815 to 12 April 1816 did not count towards his service as he was under 18 years of age. He eventually became a Private.

Edward married Elizabeth Weller at All Saints Church, Frindsbury Kent on 12 November 1819. Not much is known about Elizabeth’s early life either, however as she was born in Gillingham, Kent it is likely that her father was also in the military. I haven’t yet found a baptism record for the child I believe is their first born. John Frederick Vose was born in 1820 and is recorded on the GRO Regimental Indices 1761-1924. By 1828 when my great-great-grandfather Edward Mark was born the family were living in Omagh, Tyrone, Ireland where Edward Snr and his regiment were employed on the Survey of Ireland.

At this time the family included four sons, with the possibility of a fifth child, looking at dates, whose existence has been lost to time. Two more children George Ellis and Mary were also born in Ireland. When son Henry was born in 1834, the family was back in England, living at Woolwich. Their youngest son, Cornelius Augustus (who also liked to call himself Augustus Cornelius) was born in October 1840.

Edward was discharged as medically unfit due to chronic rheumatism 4 April 1837; with no pension. It was noted that he had first been attacked by rheumatism in 1828 while in Ireland, in his back and limbs and had been subject to the complaint ever since. He was 39 years old. His total service was 21 years and 5 days.

At the census in 1841 the family were living at New Road, Woolwich. Edward was a Labourer. Missing from the census family group were sons John Frederick and George Ellis. John may have been in the military; he certainly was in 1851. The 1841 census did not enumerate ships in port, so he may have been on board a naval vessel or deployed overseas. George had died in 1838 aged 9. On this census, William is also marked as having been born in Ireland, but Mary is not.

In 1851 they were living in Ann Street, Plumstead and Edward’s occupation was recorded as Labourer Chelsea Pensioner. Edward (my great-great-grandfather) was 22 and a Labourer at the Royal Arsenal. This time he and Mary were recorded as having been born in Ireland. Eldest son John was living in Sculcoates Yorkshire with his wife Ellen. They had married in Chatham in 1847 and John was a Private with the same Royal Sappers and Miners. John and Ellen had returned to Woolwich by the end of the year, and that is where John’s death occurred. Charles and William weren’t living with the family in 1851 and I haven’t found them on the census so far. William married in August that year and Charles in April 1853. Mary died in mid 1854.

By 1861 Charles and his growing family were living in Toronto, Canada where he was a Painter. William was settled with his own family in Plumstead. I’m not sure where Henry was, or even if he was still alive, I have a possible death for him in 1860; the age and location seem correct. Cornelius was enumerated on board HMAS Hornet in Aden. Edward and Elizabeth though were still living in Ann street with their son Edward. Edward senior is recorded as a Blacksmith while son Edward was still a Labourer at the Royal Arsenal.

On Christmas Day 1862 their son Edward married Sarah Ann Daniels who on the 1861 census was Nursemaid to the children of Walter Mitchell, Assistant Clergyman at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. Sarah was born in Wiltshire but had obviously moved to London for employment. I wonder how they met ? Edward died  in JAnuary 1870 and was buried at St Margaret's churchyard in Plumstead. By the time the 1871 came around Elizabeth was living alone in Villas Road. Her sons William, Edward and Cornelius were living in Mile End Town, Erith and Plumstead.

In February 1879 Edward and Sarah left England with their 4 children and emigrated to Canterbury, New Zealand. Elizabeth was back in Ann Street living with Cornelius, his wife and children on the 1881 census. She moved with them to Upper Earl Street and then Bramblebury Road where they were living at the 1891 census.

When Elizabeth died in 1892 she had 25 grandchildren living on three continents. She was buried with Edward in the St Margaret’s Plumstead Churchyard.

K - Kiwi

Kia Ora

It doesn’t matter where I live, I’ll always be a Kiwi. Even if one day I do become a citizen of another nation, I will still support the All Blacks, the Silver Ferns and celebrate our unique two degrees of separation uniqueness. Despite starting my life in the Waikato, I will always be a Hurricanes, Lions, Pulse and Saints supporter. 

I feel at home where I live right now, but I miss the little things. News broadcasts which are actually news, not tabloid misinformation constantly creating a mood of impending disaster. People who tell it like it is, without making it all about them. Watching rugby instead of league and AFL with over excited commentators. Spontaneous roadtrips and changing scenery.

It is funny, looking in from the outside to be able to see that all the things that felt like they were being done the wrong way, were actually world leading. Great ideas and models, just hindered by an economy which hadn’t invested in the areas of need for a long time. A strong economy striving to be a free market but not looking after the basics; a strong economy but still a tiny country not paying the people a compelling salary to stay and follow their passion.

Anyway, this isn’t meant to be political. It's about that Kiwi essence, that pride we all take in our country. The team of 5 million who can do anything if we put out minds to it. The team who collectively hold their breath in the last minutes of a Rugby World Cup Final, or Bledisloe Cup match and particularly anytime we play Australia. The way we embrace other cultures, how we immerse ourselves in Tikanga and respect each other and our differences. That doesn’t happen in other countries, well not in the same way.

It got me thinking. You can take the Kiwi out of the country, but you can’t take it out of the person. Where did it come from, that sense of belonging ? How long did it take for our ancestors (and here I am talking about those of us whose ancestors came on sailing ships and airplanes, more than the Tangata Whenua) to feel they were New Zealanders rather than English, Scots, Irish etc. What contributed to build that fierce pride, that Kiwi ingenuity ? It was definitely strong when our ANZACs joined WW1. Was it already building in 1905 when the Originals toured England and beat Devon in their first match 55-4 ? Did it begin even earlier, borne out of disasters or through the sheer determination of those early settlers to build a new life in a far flung colony ?

Wherever it started, and however it started, it has become part of us all. Right now we all need to remember we have it, we are all on the same team – even if we aren’t all on the same part of the planet.

Kia kaha Kiwis.

The Unfolding Pandemic - April

Carrying on from March with my day by day list of going on throughout these strange times. This time though there isn’t much more than numbers of cases from Australia as nobody seems to be keeping a record of an actual timeline that can be referred to. Perhaps they are all as confused as I am by what feels like a disjointed approach (which we are assured is cohesive) which is domineered by state politicians wanting to take the limelight in a “my state is better than yours” race.

1 April 2020 – The number of deaths from COVID-19 globally has more than doubled in the past week.

79 passengers from the Ovation of the Seas tested positive by today. The number of cases in Victoria exceeds 1000 including 100 healthcare workers. 303 new cases are reported nationwide and 2 deaths.

Panic buying has created a food shortage on the Chatham Islands. 47 new cases were reported.

2 April 2020 — Cases of COVID-19 surpass 1 million. Cases of COVID-19 are growing exponentially in the African region. Sixteen days from the first confirmed case in the region numbers had increased to 100. Ten days later; 1000, five more days and there were 3000 cases.

35 passengers and 5 crew members from the Voyager of the Seas had tested positive and 11 cases from the Celebrity Solstice, just in New South Wales. The total number of new cases in the past 24 hours is 273 and 2 deaths. The Queensland government announced that persons must not leave their principal place of residence except for essential needs including work, food, medical and exercise, outdoor gatherings could only consist of up to two persons or with members of household, up to 2 visitors at a residence were permitted and no gatherings at non residences.

New Zealand sees its biggest increase in cases in one day, so far, 89 new cases. This figure includes probable cases as well as the 76 confirmed cases.

3 April 2020 — The global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is now estimated to be between $2 trillion and $4 trillion, based on a 3 to 6-month scenario in which the pandemic is contained. The United States has the highest number of cases in the world, more than double the number of Italy.

It was reported that there were 10 clusters in different areas, the biggest at Marist College in Auckland. 49 confirmed cases were reported.

225 new cases are reported and 4 more deaths.

4 April 2020 – 52 new confirmed cases.

190 new cases reported in Australia and 2 further deaths.

5 April 2020 – South Sudan reports its first case of COVID-19. The African Union estimates that 20 million jobs could be lost on the continent as a result of the pandemic.

New South Wales Police launch a criminal investigation into whether the operator of Ruby Princess, Carnival Australia broke the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Commonwealth) NSW State laws by deliberately concealing COVID-19 cases onboard. 135 new cases across Australia and 7 deaths. Western Australia closed state borders strengthening earlier border rules. All Arrivals were quarantined in city hotels for 14 days.

The number of people now hospitalised has increased to 15, including 3 in intensive care; 2 of whom are listed as critical. 48 new cases were reported. Two additional clusters are identified, one in Auckland and the other in Christchurch. Ethnicity statistics show 74% Pakeha, 8.3% Asian, 7.6% Maori and 3.3% Pasifika.

6 April 2020 – According to WHO almost 90% of students globally (1.5 billion children and young people) are affected by school closures. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is moved to intensive care after his COVID-19 symptoms worsen. The death toll in Europe from COVID-19 surpasses 50,000.

The Department of Health revealed that more than one third of the cases reported, 2432, have recovered from the infection. 108 new cases and 4 deaths. Queensland waters closed to cruise ships.

39 new cases increase the number of confirmed cases is now 911. Foreign Minister Winston Peters announced that the Government had organised a mercy flight to rescue New Zealanders stranded in Peru. According to MFAT there are 22,000 New Zealander stranded overseas who have registered with MFAT’s SafeTravel.

7 April 2020 – The Wellcome Trust launches an initiative that aims to raise at least $8 billion through the private sector by the end of the month to cover the global funding shortfall for vaccines, treatments, and testing for COVID-19.

65 people are reported to have recovered bringing the total of recovered cases to 241. This is the first day where the number of daily recoveries exceeds the number of new cases (32).

113 new cases reported and 7 deaths.

8 April 2020 – China lifts its lockdown on Wuhan, the city where the COVID-19 outbreak began.

WHO responds to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to withhold funds from WHO because the agency “missed the call” on the pandemic response, urging governments not to politicize their response. WHO also launches the U.N. COVID-19 Supply Chain Task Force to meet needs and scale up the supply of lifesaving medical supplies, such as personal protective equipment and diagnostic tests.

26 new cases reported. New Zealand Police reported 367 breaches of the lockdown requirements including 45 prosecutions, 309 warnings and 13 youth referrals. They also reported that they were dealing with 37,000 breaches, mainly by businesses. Government announced they were introducing an $87.7million distance learning package including two education television channels one in English and one in Te Reo, improved internet access and devices, educational materials including online resources for parents, handheld devices and hard copy packs for different years. Also announced was a $4 million package to help tackle health, economic and social impacts and $1 million to assist the Tongan Ministry of Health to continue to fight the virus.

105 new cases reported across Australia and 2 more deaths. Queensland closed Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and The Spit beaches in response to people ignoring the social distancing and public gathering restrictions. Non-essential travel was not permitted, people were encouraged to stay home during the holiday weekend and not venture outside their suburb.

9 April 2020 – One hundred days have passed since WHO was initially notified of COVID-19 in China. A two week ceasefire begins in Yemen following calls from United Nations to halt fighting amid the global pandemic. Warring parties had agreed to a ceasefire the previous weekend to allow for a COVID-19 scale-up, but violated it two days later. “We cannot control a global pandemic amongst bombs and airstrikes.”

23 new cases reported. Compulsory quarantine for New Zealanders returning home was announced to commence by midnight on this day as the country looks to ways to manage the spread once restrictions begin to be removed.

90 cases reported and another death. In Queensland National Parks including Fraser Island and all off shore islands in Moreton Bay (Not including Bribie Island) were closed. The Queensland government announced that non-essential business, activity or undertaking must not be operated, the only exemption if it was not able to be carried out online. This covered the closure of cinemas, casinos, concerts, indoor sports, gyms, playgrounds, campgrounds and libraries. Restrictions also apply to restaurants (takeaway or delivery only) hairdressers and churches.

10 April 2020 – The number of COVID-19 deaths around the world surpasses 100,000. Cases are spreading to rural areas in Africa, according to WHO with clusters of cases and community spread in more than 16 countries. The newly established United Nations Supply Chain Task Force, may need to cover more than 30% of the world’s needs in the acute phase of the pandemic and, every month, would need to ship at least 100 million medical masks and gloves; up to 25 million N95 masks, gowns, and face shields; up to 2.5 million diagnostic tests; and other equipment. It may need about $280 million for the cost of storing and moving supplies. Hubs will be located in Belgium, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malaysia, Panama, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.

Yemen reports its first case of COVID-19.

23 new cases overnight. A second death is reported, an elderly woman in the Christchurch rest home cluster. Other cases, residents and staff, at the rest home are moved to hospital care. The Uruguay government announced that it would be repatriating 16 New Zealanders and 96 Australians who had been stranded on the cruise ship Greg Mortimer near Montevideo since 27 March. They would be flown from Montevideo to Melbourne.

A further 100 cases reported and 3 deaths.

11 April 2020 – The United States records over 2000 deaths in one day, the highest death rate recorded by any country during the pandemic.

20 new cases. Two more deaths recorded, another from the Christchurch rest home cluster and the other in Wellington.

An aged care facility in Sydney reported an outbreak. 89 new cases reported and 2 more deaths. Queensland strengthened border control to Level 4, the most restrictive level, every person crossing the border requires a permit to enter the state and if travelling from a known hotspot e.g. Sydney within the previous 14 days must self-quarantine for 14 days.

12 April 2020 – The International Rescue Committee launches an initiative aimed to help the 165,000 refugees and immigrants in the US who are medical and health professionals trained abroad to become credentialled there to assist in the nation’s fight against COVID-19. The UK government pledges £200 million to slow the spread of the virus in vulnerable countries. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is discharged from hospital, in his thanks to the NHS for their care, singling out a New Zealand nurse and a Portuguese nurse. At least 28 UK healthcare workers have died from COVID-19.

14 new cases making the total confirmed cases now 1049 with 471 recorded as recovered. The mercy flight from Uruguay arrived ion Melbourne and 13 of the New Zealanders were transferred to a New Zealand Government chartered flight to Auckland where they were required to enter quarantine for 14 days.

Just 21 cases reported across the country and 3 deaths. Victorian government extend the state of emergency by for weeks to 11 May.

13 April 2020 – The International Monetary Fund approves immediate debt service relief to 25 countries. The Asian Development Bank expands its response package from $6.5 billion to $20 billion. CNN reports that China has imposed restrictions on the publication of research focussing on the origins of COVID-19. WHO urge countries to only ease control efforts such as “stay at home” if the right public health support is in place and to do it slowly.

15 new cases reported. Another death brings the total to 5, this latest case was also a part of the Christchurch rest home cluster. Two more clusters are identified, one in Auckland and a separate one in Christchurch. A Government chartered LATAM airlines  flight  carrying New Zealanders stranded in Peru landed in Auckland, other passengers who had been scattered in Brazil and Chile were able to board at Santiago when the flight transited there. All passengers were required to enter quarantine in Auckland under new quarantine requirements. Fiji Airways announced that they would fly stranded New Zealanders to Auckland on 17 April and return the same day carrying Fijians returning to Nadi.

Tasmanian Government closed two hospitals and put the entire staff (more than 1000) and their families into quarantine. 46 new cases confirmed, 11 of them part of the spike in Tasmania, and 2 deaths.

14 April 2020 – US President Trump announces he is cutting off the nations funding to WHO in response to their perceived mismanagement of the response to the pandemic. It is unclear whether he holds this authority. The UN warns that more than 117 million children in 37 countries could miss out on measles vaccine because of the pandemic. Immunisation campaigns have already been delayed in 24 countries. The number of cases on the African continent surpasses 15,000.

Just 8 new cases confirmed, but sadly 4 more deaths; three linked to the Christchurch rest home cluster and the fourth later confirmed as part of the Bluff wedding cluster. Government announced a $130 million support package for tertiary students.

The outbreak at a Sydney aged care facility was linked to a staff member who had attended work for 6 shifts while having minor symptoms. 10 residents and 5 other staff had tested positive. 41 new cases across the country and 1 death.

15 April 2020 – The number of cases globally surpasses 2,000,000. French President Emmanuel Macron says that putting a hold on debt payments of African governments is an indispensable step in the fight against the virus. WHO says that the agency is assessing how the US withdrawal of financial support will affect its programs and that it will fill any gaps with other partners. WHO adds that a full performance review will be undertaken following the pandemic as is normal business practice. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announces it will increase funding by $150 million

6 new cases, the pattern is showing early indications that the measures taken by the Government are flattening the curve. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that all government ministers and public sector chief executives would take a 20% pay cut.

A Western Australian man became the first person to be jailed for violating a self-isolation directive. 47 new cases confirmed in Australia and 1 death.

16 April 2020 – There has been a rapid increase in case numbers in countries on the African continent. WHO says the impact of US President Trumps threat to withdraw funding will not only effect the COVID-19 response, but also other existing programmes such as the eradication of polio from the African continent.

6 confirmed new cases and another 42 recoveries reported, this brings the total number of cases to 1078 with 770 of those recorded as recovered. Prime Minister Ardern outlined rules and guidelines for the return to Alert Level 3. No date has been confirmed for this, but it will include easing work restrictions, reopening schools up to Year 10 on a voluntary basis reopening early childcare centres, introducing strict guidelines for gathering such as funerals and tangi and allowing food eateries to provide takeaway services. More will be announced after the weekend.

21 new cases confirmed.

17 April 2020 – WHO emphasize that as yet there is no evidence to prove whether someone who has had COVID-19 and recovered is immune to reinfection. WHO also state that if “wet markets” are permitted to reopen that they must conform to stringent food safety and hygiene standards. They went on to say governments must rigorously enforce bans on the sale and trade of wildlife for food. They estimate that 70% of new viruses come from animals. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank doubles its contribution; now up to $10 billion. The prevention and control taskforce In Wuhan, China revises the death toll in the city by 50% from 2,579 to 3,869. Globally there are more than 2,000,000 cases and the US has recorded more than 30,000 deaths.

2 more deaths in New Zealand, both linked to known clusters. 2 new cases are confirmed. A clinical trial into the efficacy of 16 drugs on patients with COVID-19 is being led by NZ researchers.

55 new cases nationwide and 2 more deaths.

18 April 2020 – Singapore sees record spike of 942 new cases. The World Medical Association call on WHO to allow Taiwan into the organisation, noting that failure to listen to early warning from Taiwan about COVID-19 coupled with its decision to ignore Taiwan during much of the SARS crisis were errors which led to the world paying a high price. In the past Taiwan has been granted observer status but in recent years has been locked out by the One China policy. WHO release data by age and sex; the sex ratio (male to female) among confirmed cases is 1.03:1 and the median age is 51.

8 new cases reported, the number of deaths increased to 12 after the results of a post mortem confirmed evidence of COVID-19. It was also confirmed that three children under a year old had tested positive.

42 new cases in Australia and a further 4 deaths. The MS Artania departed Fremantle following a stand off with State and Federal governments over responsibility for the care of passengers and crew.

19 April 2020 – The death toll in Europe surpasses 100,000 and data compiled by John Hopkins University suggests the death rate in Europe is 9%. There have been more than 30,000 deaths in the US. UN appeals to the donor community for $350million to rapidly scale up their global logistics system to respond to the pandemic. The President threatens China with consequences in what he believes is a cover up.

Queensland recorded 5 new cases, Australia a total of 41 new cases, and 2 new deaths bring the total deaths to 70.

4 new cases confirmed in New Zealand, however another death was recorded bringing the total to 12.

20 April 2020 – People gather together in some US states ignoring social distancing rules to protest being asked to lockdown and demand the conditions to be lifted to allow them to return to work. Their protests are supported by President Trump. The numbers of deaths fall in Italy and Spain; China reports no new deaths and 12 new cases. The US hostility toward WHO scuppered publication of a communique from the G20 heath ministers which committed to strengthening the WHO mandate in coordinating a response to the pandemic. Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv AND attempted to practice social distancing while protesting against Benjamin Netanyahu. A WHO worker was killed in Myanmar while transporting COVID-19 test samples.

School returned for Term 2 for children of essential workers in Queensland, the remainder of students will be schooled at home with support of teachers, schools, television channels and the Education Department for 5 weeks when the situation will be reviewed. Server problems caused outages and headaches for staff, parents and students on day one. Just 13 new cases reported.

New Zealand announce that they will remain in lockdown at Alert level 4 until midnight Monday 27 April and then return to Level 3. This will be monitored with the view to moving to Level 2 after a further two weeks. 7 new cases  were reported.

21 April 2020 – The number of cases worldwide surpasses 2.5million and the number in the US passes 800,000. Health worker cases in the Philippines are at 13% compared to 2-3% in the general population, but the reasons for this are unclear. Cases in Japan reach more than 11,000 though there is not yet a large scale community outbreak. The cause of the virus remains unknown amid speculations that it came from the Wuhan Institute of Virology and not the Huanan seafood market. A rapid spike in the number of infections in Singapore provides lessons for countries to learn as they begin to remove some restrictions and to pay attention to vulnerable groups of their populations.

1 more death was reported; a resident of a rest home in Auckland where 5 new cases (2 confirmed) were identified today. Additionally a New Zealander died in Peru after missing a repatriation flight but this death is not included in the Ministry of Health’s figures.

Just 26 new cases; 0 in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory. 431,000 tests have been conducted across Australia. The Federal Government announces an easing of restrictions for elective surgeries from 28 April in a staged and controlled manner which will balance patient needs and the ongoing need for capacity to treat COVID-19 patients. The National Cabinet received up to date data on the stock of PPE in the National Medical Stockpile and PPE held by states and territories. PPE stocks and other equipment such as ventilators are now largely sufficient to meet expected demand for Australia’s COVID-19 response through to December 2020 with current social distancing and travel restrictions in place. To date the National Medical Stockpile has dispatched 22 million masks primarily to states and territories, GPs, Community Pharmacy, ACHHOS and aged care with a further 11.5million being dispatched this week. The National Medical Stockpile does not replace state, territory or private processes to source and deliver PPE to meet their needs

22 April 2020 – Outbreaks in Western Europe appear to be stable or declining. Most countries are still in the early stages of their epidemics in Africa, Central and South America and Eastern Europe. Some countries which were affected early in the pandemic are beginning to see a resurgence in cases. Of the countries that have reported data to WHO only 66% have a clinical referral system in place, 48% have a community action plan and 48% have an infection prevention and control program and standards for water, sanitation and hygiene in health facilities. When asked if WHO should have declared a pandemic earlier they replied that the highest level of alert that WHO can declare is a public health emergence and that at the time they did this on January 30^th, there were just 82 cases outside of China and no deaths.

6 new cases and 1 death.

Only 4 new cases reported and 3 more deaths.

23 April 2020 – on the African continent there are more than 25,000 cases and over 1200 deaths. South Africa is the most affected country with 3300 cases but the nation is beginning to flatten the curve. There are concerning increases in the number of cases in some West African countries and Tanzania where social distancing recommendations were not initially implemented. There are also concerns that any reduction in the distribution of insecticide treated bed nets will lead to an increase in the number of malaria cases as was seen during the Ebola outbreak. The first patients are injected with the first human COVID-19 vaccine trial in Europe.

2 new cases and a further 2 deaths reported. Broadcasting Minster Kris Faafoi announced Government investment of $50 million into a media relief package to support the New Zealand media.

12 new cases throughout Australia and 2 deaths.

24 April 2020 – WHO launches the Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator, a global initiative to speed up the development and production of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics to respond to COVID-19. Niger report a new outbreak of polio, but WHO says that a vaccination campaign will not be possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2 new cases reported bringing the total to 1,114, with 1095 people recovered. Another death today, the 10^th from the Christchurch aged care facility, bringing the total to 17. There have ben 108,238 tested completed in total with a positivity rate of 1.03%.

Over 482,000 tests have been conducted across Australia. 14 new cases reported and 3 more deaths.

25 April 2020 – The global death toll passes 200,000.

3 new cases and another death; the second linked to the Auckland rest home.

20 new cases across Australia and 2 deaths.

New Zealand and Australia celebrate ANZAC Day at home. There are no parades or public gatherings for the first time since 1919 when the Spanish Flu pandemic halted the first post war commemorations. In 2020 a social media and mainstream media campaign encouraged people to stand at their gate or on their balcony at 6am and be a part of the Dawn Service together, at home.

26 April 2020 – UN launch a knowledge hub for COVID-19 in Africa. Bill Gates tells the Financial Times that his foundation will give it “total attention” to COVID-19.

4 new cases reported , most are linked to existing clusters or to known confirmed cases.

16 new cases across Australia and a further 2 deaths. The Australian Government launch a voluntary tracking app which will use a Bluetooth signal to determine if a person has been in contact with a person with COVID-19 allowing authorities to alert them that they may have been exposed to the virus. It is based on Singapore’s TraceTogether app. Uncertainty surrounds return to school plans across the country with each state implementing its own plan contra to advice from Federal Government. Victoria’s Premier stating that schools there would not reopen during term 2. Some restrictions will be removed in Queensland at the weekend, enabling non essential shops to reopen if they can maintain social distancing, allowing some relaxing to rules around visiting family and revising the numbers of people attending funerals and allowing people to venture up to 50km from their homes.

27 April 2020 – Globally the number of cases surpasses 3,000,000. The US House Foreign Affairs Committee launches an inquiry into the White House’s decision to halve funding to WHO.

The country’s death toll reaches 19, and another 1 confirmed case reported. The UN report that New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says that there is currently no widespread community transmission of COVID-19 in the country, allowing some restrictions to be lifted while being mindful to remain vigilant to prevent any resurgence. Businesses working to prepare to reopen some physically but many online. The country entered alert level 3 at 11.59.59pm. Cafes and fast food chains will be able to open from midnight tonight as long as they offer only takeaway while ensuring the correct levels of social distancing.

9 new cases across Australia.

28 April 2020 – The number of cases in the US surpasses 1,000,000 now accounting for one third of the cases globally. The death toll too has soared past 58,000 which is higher than the number of American troops killed during the Vietnam War. The International Rescue Committee estimate that COVID-19 infections could reach 500 million-1 billion in 34 conflict affected and fragile countries. This could lead to between 1.7-3.2million deaths. A group of scientists warn against using a tuberculosis vaccine to protect against COVID-19 as it has not been proven effective. They fear that it could also lead to a global shortage which may limit access to those using it to prevent TB.

Ridiculous queues form across the country for fast food chains in New Zealand as the country moves into Alert Level 3. They will remain at Level 3 until 11 May when the next step will be announced. There were 2 new cases and no deaths. As more people return to work, they were reminded of the need to be mindful that the virus is still “there” and to not undo all the good that has been done.

11 new cases across Australia and 5 deaths. 4 residents of a nursing home in Sydney died in the past 24 hours bringing the total number of deaths at that facility to 11 since 11 April.

29 April 2020 – Despite an announced ceasefire in Yemen airstrikes ae up 30% complicating the humanitarian response to the pandemic. United Nations Children’s Fund and World Food Programme estimate that 370 million children are missing out on school meals globally because of school closures.

Some fast food chains and takeaway outlets were called out by police, local media and the Prime Minister for encouraging poor social distancing. Many people seemed to flaunt the distancing requirements instead of using common sense for the sake of a fast food fix. Just 1 new case was reported.

15 new cases reported across Australia and 2 deaths.

30 April 2020 – Several laboratories in different countries are reporting good progress with their search for a vaccine. Some have progressed to testing on humans, and others hope to be at that stage by June or July.

The Ministry of Health report that 84% of those diagnosed with COVID-19 have recovered. 3 new cases were reported. Schools up to Year 10 have reopened for the children of essential workers the government reported that just 4% had returned to early childhood centres and 1% of school age children had attended on the first day (29 April). There were 742 complaints of businesses not complying  with the rules on the first day of alert level 3, mostly for the lack of social distancing.

6 new cases reported nationwide and 1 death. ACT became the first Australian jurisdiction to be free of all known cases of COVID-19.

Total cases globally as of April 30, 2020: 3, 090, 445 and 217. 769 deaths, 1,000,000+ recovered

Total cases in Australia: 6746, deaths 90, 5685 recovered

Total cases in New Zealand: 1129, deaths 19, 915 recovered

(figures from WHO)

Sources:

https://www.devex.com/news/covid-19-a-timeline-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak-96396

https://shorthand.radionz.co.nz/coronavirus-timeline/index.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_coronavirus_pandemic_in_Australia

https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-current-situation

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-current-situation-and-case-numbers

The Unfolding Pandemic - March

1 March 2020 – The number of new cases of COVID-19 in Hubei province, China the epicentre of the outbreak increased for two successive days following a period of decline in the number of new cases. WHO advises that countries should work to increase the availability of pulse oximeters and medical oxygen systems. South Korea, with 3,736 cases, and Italy, with 1,128 cases, have the most cases outside of China.

New Zealand Government announces that travellers from northern Italy and South Korea must also self isolate for 14 days.

The first death is reported in Australia; a passenger from the Diamond Princess. Australia extended its travel ban to include Iran.

2 March 2020 — A team of WHO experts lands in Iran to support the outbreak response with technical assistance, bringing medical supplies and protective equipment for over 15,000 health care workers and enough laboratory kits to test nearly 100,000 people. A WHO staff member in Iran tests positive for COVID-19. In the past 24 hours, there were nearly nine times more new cases reported outside China than within China. WHO Health Emergencies Programme advises that Influenza is different than COVID-19 because there are treatments, vaccines, and there is an understanding of its transmission and patterns. They are genuinely heartened to see that where countries have fought back and put in strong measures, that unlike influenza this virus is suppressed.

Four new cases reported in Australia.

3 March 2020 — To meet global demand for personal protective equipment, WHO estimates that industry needs to increase manufacturing by 40%. An estimated 89 million medical masks, 76 million examination gloves, and 1.6 million goggles are required each month for the COVID-19 response.

4 March 2020 — The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria says countries may use savings from their existing grants for COVID-19 response, with a limit of up to 5% of the grant’s total value. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation says COVID-19 has disrupted the education of 290.5 million students globally, which is an “unprecedented” figure. This includes school closures in 13 countries.

A second death reported in Australia.

A second case was confirmed in New Zealand who had returned from Northern Italy on 35 February.

5 March 2020 – Three new cases reported in New South Wales. Travel ban extended to South Korea.

The third case and the first case of local transmission was reported, having been infected by a family member returning from Iran.

6 March 2020 — WHO says there are more than 200 clinical trials registered that look at different therapeutics to treat COVID-19, as well as traditional Chinese medicine.

A passenger returning from Nepal was advised to self isolate while awaiting test results but continued to work a casual shift on 7 March 2020; shortly afterward his results were returned – positive.

It was advised that eight New Zealanders had been passengers on the Grand Princess San Francisco to Mexico cruise and may have been in contact with a confirmed case. They had already returned to New Zealand; one had been ill with respiratory illness and could be considered a probable (but not confirmed) case.

7 March 2020 — The number of COVID-19 cases surpasses 100,000.

It was revealed that a doctor who had returned from the US on 29 February believing he had a mild cold had returned to work, but subsequently had returned a positive test result.

A fifth case was announced – partner of the third case.

8 March 2020 — Over 100 countries report cases of COVID-19. Italy prepares to lockdown at least 16 million people in the Lombardy region and in 11 other provinces in the north and east of the country.

A third death, and the second at an aged care facility in Sydney, was reported.

9 March 2020 — WHO moves closer to declaring the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic.

A teacher from a school in Melbourne was confirmed to have the virus; her partner had been a passenger on the same flight from the US as the doctor on 29 February.

10 March 2020 — The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, or CEPI, is investing a further $4.4 million for vaccine development efforts against COVID-19, bringing the organization’s total investments to $23.7 million. The money will be used to help Novavax and the University of Oxford in their vaccine development work. The Italian Prime Minister places the entire country in lockdown.

11 March 2020 — WHO Director declares the global COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic. “We are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity and by the alarming levels of inaction,” he says, adding that “we have called every day for countries to take urgent and aggressive action.”

Australia’s travel ban extended again to include Italy.

12 March 2020 — The Pacific confirms its first case of COVID-19. The US suspends travel from Europe (excluding the UK).

The first case was reported in ACT, nine new cases including the first human-to-human transmission in the state were reported in Victoria and the Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton was diagnosed in Queensland. This brought the national total to 175. Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, recently returned from the US, reported that they were in isolation after testing positive. Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled a $17.6 billion stimulus package to “protect Australians” health, secure jobs and set the economy to bounce back from the crisis. The Victorian Government declared they were suspending all jury trials to limit the spread.

Festivals and large gatherings begin to be cancelled, some sports matches are played in stadiums bereft of audiences.

13 March 2020 — Europe has now become the epicentre of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China. More cases now being reported every day than were reported in China at the height of its epidemic.

A National Cabinet was formed akin to a war cabinet for the first time since WW2, consisting of State Premiers and Chief Ministers of each Territory. At the first meeting it was announced that gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from 15 March. Schools, universities, workplaces, public transport and airports were not included in this recommendation.

14 March 2020 – A sixth case was confirmed who had also returned from the US, he was in self isolation. New Zealand Government announces that anyone entering the country must self-isolate for 14 days apart from those arriving from the Pacific Islands. Cruise ships are banned and strict guidelines are put in place for travellers to the Pacific Islands.

15 March 2020 — Cases in Africa are on the rise. A week ago there were 27 cases on the continent. Now, there are 273 confirmed cases in 26 countries and 6 deaths. Countries respond with travel restrictions. German government sources tell Reuters that the U.S. is trying to convince German firm CureVac to move research on a potential vaccine to the United States.

Two more cases confirmed in New Zealand including an Australian who had travelled to New Zealand before receiving his test results in Queensland.

Two deaths reported in New South Wales. The University of Queensland stopped teaching for a week after three students tested positive, Western Australia and New South Wales Governments introduced measures to stop schools organising gatherings of more than 500 people. Two more politicians tested positive. Mirroring the move by New Zealand, the Prime Minister announced that all travellers returning to or arriving in Australia from midnight must self isolate for 14 days. Failure to comply would result in a fine set by each state, cruise ships were also banned from docking in the country for 30 days.

16 March 2020 — For the first time since the beginning of the outbreak, infections and deaths outside China surpass those within China. WHO declares that this is the defining global health crisis of our time, saying that now that the virus has a foothold in so many countries, the threat of a pandemic has become very real. They note that they have also seen a rapid escalation in social distancing measures, like closing schools and cancelling sporting events and other gatherings; but have not seen an urgent enough escalation in testing, isolation and contact tracing — which they feel is the backbone of a response.

Prime Minister of New Zealand says that tourists who do not self quarantine will be deported,

17 March 2020 — Bloomberg Philanthropies announces $40 million for a COVID-19 global response initiative to prevent and slow the spread in low- and middle-income countries. Cases of COVID-19 surpass 480 in Southeast Asia. WHO calls on countries in the region "to urgently scale-up aggressive measures” to combat its spread. The International Organization for Migration and The UN Refugee Agency temporarily suspend refugee resettlement departures to reduce the spread of the virus.

Four more cases reported in New Zealand. The Government announces a $12.1 billion package to cushion the impact on the economy; including $500 million for health, $8.7 billion to support business and jobs and $2.8 billion for income support and boosting consumer spending. A school in Dunedin closes for 2 days after a student tests positive.

The state of Tasmania declared a public health emergency.

18 March 2020 — The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations provides $620,000 to The University of Hong Kong to support preclinical testing of another vaccine candidate against COVID-19. This is the seventh vaccine development project against COVID-19 CEPI has invested in since January.

A human biosecurity emergency was declared by the Governor General under Section 475 of the Biosecurity Act 2015. The cruise ship Ovation of the Seas disembarked 3500 passengers in Sydney. The Voyager of the Seas docked the same day.

Ministry of Health confirmed eight new cases in New Zealand.

19 March 2020 — Cases of COVID-19 surpass 200,000 globally. It took over three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases and just 12 days to reach the next 100,000. For the first time since the outbreak began, Wuhan reports no new cases.

Ministry of Health confirmed another eight new cases in New Zealand. All gatherings of more than 100 people are cancelled. The country’s borders are closed to all but New Zealand citizens and permanent residents from midnight.

The Celebrity Solstice docked in Sydney. The Ruby Princess also Sydney and disembarked 2700 passengers. Qantas confirmed it would suspend 60% of domestic flights, put 2/3 of its staff on leave, suspend all international flights and ground over 150 aircraft from the end of March until the end of May. The Prime Minister announced that Australia would be closing its international borders to all non-residents and non-Australian citizens from 9pm 20 March. Tasmania’s Premier announced that all non-essential travellers to the state, including returning residents would be subject to a mandatory 14 day quarantine.

20 March 2020 — WHO launches a health alert messaging service through WhatsApp and Facebook. People can access this service by sending "hi" to this WhatsApp number: +41 798 931 892.  WHO advises that one of the things they are learning is that although older people are the hardest hit, younger people are not spared. Data from many countries clearly show that people under 50 make up a significant proportion of patients requiring hospitalization. The Queen and Prince Philip leave Buckingham Palace to enter isolation at Windsor Castle.

Ministry of Health confirmed eleven new cases in New Zealand. Auckland Council close their pools, libraries, galleries and other community facilities for 14 days.

It was announced that three of 13 passengers from the Ruby Princess had tested positive and they and all passengers were advised by NSW Health to self isolate.

21 March 2020 — Ecuador’s health and labour ministers resign after cases in the country surpass 500.

Another thirteen new cases in New Zealand. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the introduction of a country-wide alert system, similar to existing fire warnings. There are four levels and at the time of announcement she advised the country was in Alert Level 2. Those over 70 and those with compromised immune systems are asked to stay at home as much as possible. People who can work from home are asked to do so and travel within the country should be limited.

The Australian Government imposed a social distancing rule of 1 person per 4m².

22 March 2020 — Global cases of COVID-19 surpass 300,000. It took over three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases, 12 days to reach 200,000 and three days to reach 300,000.

Fourteen new cases reported in New Zealand.

The states of New South Wales and Victoria impose mandatory closure of non-essential services; South Australia and Western Australia close their borders. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a closure of places of gathering including pubs, clubs, licensed premises in hotels and bars, entertainment venues, including places of worship, nightclubs, casinos and cinemas. Cafes and restaurants can remain open but only for takeaway. Funerals and weddings need to observe the strict four square metre rule. Schools are to remain open, but parents are entitled to keep children at home at their discretion. A second stimulus package of $66 billion was announced including measures to increase income support for JobSeekers and allowing access to superannuation.

23 March 2020 — World Bank Group President calls on bilateral creditors of the lowest-income countries to provide debt relief so these countries can focus resources on the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO says that asking people to stay at home and take other physical distancing measures are an important way of slowing down the spread of the virus and buying time, but they are defensive measures. To win, we need to attack the virus with aggressive and targeted tactics; testing every suspected case, isolating and caring for every confirmed case, and tracing and quarantining every close contact.

36 new cases reported. In light of this dramatic increase Alert Level 3 became effective immediately and the nation was given 48 hours warning that Alert Level 4 would be in place at 11.59pm on 25 March. People are instructed to stay home, schools and other educational facilities will be closed from 24 March, all non-essential businesses will close and travel will be severely limited. Another wave of panic buying starts at supermarkets.

The measures announced yesterday for places of social gathering were put in place at midday.

24 March 2020 — Cases of COVID-19 surpass 400,000. It took over three months to reach the first 100,000 confirmed cases, 12 days to reach 200,000, three days to reach 300,000, and two days to reach 400,000. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi announces a lockdown of 21 days for the country's 1.3 billion residents. This is the largest lockdown announced since the beginning of the outbreak. The Chinese government announces it will lift the lockdown on Wuhan, the city at the centre of the outbreak, on April 8.

40 new cases from 1400 tests. From this date onward probable cases are included at a local level bringing the total to 155.

A passenger from the Ruby Princess died and 133 others had tested positive.

25 March 2020 — The United Nations launches a $2 billion global humanitarian response plan appeal to assist vulnerable countries in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. WHO list six steps countries should take as they are in lockdown mode: expand, train, and deploy health care workforce; create systems to find all suspected case at community levels; increase production and availability of testing; identify and equip facilities needed to treat and isolate patients; develop plans on how to quarantine contacts; and focus the whole government on the suppression and control of the pandemic. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales tests positive for COVID-19 and goes into self isolation. The 2020 Olympic Games are postponed to 2021.

50 new cases including probable cases. A national State of Emergency was declared for 7 days (to be reviewed and possibly extended) and the country entered Alert Level 4 at 11.59pm.

The National COVID-19 Coordination Commission was established by the Prime Minister as a strategic advisory body.

26 March 2020 — G-20 country leaders, after their virtual summit, release a statement outlining commitments in fighting the pandemic, such as sharing timely and transparent information, strengthening health systems globally, and protecting front-line health workers. They call upon WHO to assess gaps in pandemic preparedness and report to a meeting of finance and health ministers in the coming months, aimed at establishing a global initiative on pandemic preparedness and response. Cases in the U.S. surpass those in China and Italy — making it the new epicentre of the pandemic.

A further 78 cases were reported, but it was also noted that 17 people had fully recovered and that 168 New Zealand travellers were in quarantine.

27 March 2020 — WHO announces that the first patients will shortly be enrolled in Norway and Spain in a trial called the Solidarity Trial, comparing the effectiveness of four different drugs or drug combinations against COVID-19. More than 45 countries are contributing to the trial. U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson tests positive for COVID-19.

The cruise ship Artania docked in Fremantle, Most of the 850 passengers flew home from Perth to Germany over the next two days. 41 passengers and crew tested positive and remained in Perth for treatment. They were not counted in the Australian figures.

Health authorities reported 85 new confirmed and probable cases.

28 March 2020 — Cases of COVID-19 worldwide surpass 600,000. Portugal announces that all foreigners will be treated as residents during the COVID-19 crisis, to ensure they have access to public services. Quarantine measures in the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the outbreak began, begin to ease after more than two months of lockdown, including restarting rail service in and out of the city. Spain and Italy hit new records for the number of dead in one day. Spain records 832 dead and Italy records 889.

Health authorities reported 83 new cases including 78 confirmed and 5 probable cases.

The number of passengers from the Ruby Princess who had tested positive had risen to 284.

29 March 2020 — Global death toll from COVID-19 surpasses 30,000.

60 new confirmed and 3 probable cases reported. New Zealand records first death a patient initially diagnosed with influenza who later tested positive for COVID-19.

30 March 2020 — Johnson & Johnson announces the selection of a lead COVID-19 vaccine candidate. The company expects to start human trials by September, at the latest, and anticipates the first batches of a vaccine could be available for U.S. Food and Drug Administration "emergency use authorization" in early 2021. The University of Washington, University of Oxford, and La Jolla Institute for Immunology receive $20 million to fund clinical trials to identify highly potent immunotherapies to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

76 new confirmed cases and one previously counted probable case was confirmed to be negative. It was also reported that community spread made up about 2% of cases, 57% were directly related to overseas travel and 27% were close contacts of a confirmed case.

Two deaths were recorded. To date 440 passengers from the Ruby Princess (21 NSW, 71 SA, 70 QLD, 43 WA, 22 ACT, 18 VIC, 3 TAS and 2 NT) have tested positive. A $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy package was announced.

31 March 2020 — WHO Western Pacific Regional Director expresses concerns that travel restrictions are impacting Pacific island countries’ ability to diagnose COVID-19 cases. The U.S. government reportedly places a moratorium on USAID’s global shipments of personal protective gear, asking it to instead be sent to the U.S.

A further 58 confirmed and probable cases were reported.

As of today 5 passengers from the Ruby Princess have died. Six baggage handlers at Adelaide Airport have tested positive causing the airport to close and 100 other staff required to self isolate.

Total cases globally as of 31 March 2020: 750,890 and 36,405 deaths.

Total cases in Australia: 4359 and 18 deaths

Total cases in New Zealand: 600 and 1 death

(figures from WHO)

Sources:

https://www.devex.com/news/covid-19-a-timeline-of-the-coronavirus-outbreak-96396

https://shorthand.radionz.co.nz/coronavirus-timeline/index.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_coronavirus_pandemic_in_Australia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_coronavirus_pandemic_in_New_Zealand