Global pandemic worsens: On April 2, worldwide Coronavirus cases passed one million after extensive research by Johns Hopkins University. People around the world received the first of many grim milestones as the pandemic spread across the globe. Many realised the daunting pandemic was far from over, with the worst yet to come.
Nightingale Hospital opens: As Covid-19 grappled the world, The UK prepared for the worst as London’s Nightingale Hospital was officially opened by Prince Charles via video link on April 3. With the capacity to hold up to 4,000 of the worst Coronavirus patients, it was the world’s largest critical care unit.
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PM hospitalised: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was admitted to hospital on April 5 after suffering from persistent symptoms for 10 days. Meanwhile HM Queen Elizabeth II addressed the nation in the hopes of calming Coronavirus fears, insisting “we’ll meet again”. This was the Queens fifth televised address during her reign.
Wuhan recovers: As the rest of the world was still locked down, the Chinese city of Wuhan, where it is believed the virus originated, ended its lockdown period on April 7. Wuhan entered quarantine on the January 23, completely isolating it from the rest of the world for a total of 73 days.
Trump and the WHO: On April 14, US President Donald Trump announced he was freezing funding to the World Health Organisation due to its handling of the Coronavirus. “So much death has been caused by their mistakes” stated the President. The US was said to be responsible for 15% of the WHO’s funding.
Lady Gaga’s charity gig: Global pop sensation Lady Gaga co-organised the ‘One World: Together at Home’ concert, aiming to lift everyone’s spirits during the pandemic. The concert, by Global Citizen, starred global singers such as Elton John and Paul McCartney who performed from the comforts of their own homes on April 19. The event raised $127.8 million for coronavirus relief efforts.
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Lockdown lifts: The UK started preparing to come out of lockdown on April 30 as Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the country had passed the peak of the pandemic. However, the virus was very much still at large, and the public was urged to do whatever they could to keep the R rate below one.
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