INDIANA — Reports on the far-reaching impacts of the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, have permeated the news outlets of both the traditional and non-traditional varieties. It is simply impossible to avoid, whether you get your news from the major television outlets or through links in your Facebook feed.

While the threat of the now-declared pandemic has been lingering since the beginning of 2020, a serious reaction to the medical crisis has only arisen in the past week. While many were keeping a close watch on the virus’s spread from faraway lands during the past several weeks, the reality of its severity on Americans day-to-day lives only recently became a reality, virtually shutting down a nation.

To reflect upon the timeline of the virus, the following is a selective listing of dates and milestones:

Jan. 8 — The World Health Organization warns approximately 50 pneumonia cases in Wuhan, China, may be a strain of the viruses that caused the deadly SARS and MERS illnesses, which were first detected in 2003 and 2012 respectively.

Jan. 9 —  A 61-year-od man is the now-confirmed novel coronavirus first fatality.

Jan. 13 — A Chinese woman is quarantined in Thailand, the first case detected outside of China.

Jan. 20 — Human-to-human transmission of the virus is confirmed after medical staff in a Chinese hospital are infected.

Jan. 21 — The first reported case of novel coronavirus is reported in the U.S. after a Washington state resident is diagnosed after a trip to China.

Jan. 23 — The WHO declares “an emergency in China” but does not suggest it is a “public health emergency of international concern.”

Jan. 24 — The first cases are confirmed in Europe, specifically in France.

Jan. 25 — The first case is reported in Canada in a man who traveled to Toronto from Wuhan.

Jan. 30 — WHO declares a global health emergency.

Feb. 2 — The first fatality outside of China occurs in the Philippines.

Feb. 11 — The WHO announces COVID-19 as the name of the disease.

Feb. 29 — The first U.S. death from COVID-19 is reported in Washington state.

March 11 — The National Basketball Association suspends its season after a player tests positive for COVID-19.

March 11 — President Trump bans travel to the U.S. from most European countries for 30 days.

March 11 — The WHO declares the virus outbreak a global pandemic.

March 12 — The NCAA cancels its 2020 winter and spring championships, including its men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.

March 13 — The IHSAA indefinitely postpones its boys basketball tournament.

March 13 — Numerous area school districts announce plan to temporarily close.

March 16 — The first reported death in Indiana occurs in Marion County.

March 16 — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb announces restaurants, bars and nightclubs be closed to the public. Restaurants are to be carry-out and delivery only.

March 17 — The second reported death in Indiana occurs in Johnson County. The total confirmed number of positive cases in the Hoosier state is 30. The total number of residents tested by the Indiana State Department of Health is 159.

March 17 — Public libraries in Milford, North Webster and Syracuse are all officially closed to the public until further notice.

March 17 — Holcomb issues executive order in a continuing effort to slow the spread of novel coronavirus.

March 17 — Kansas closes all schools for remainder of school year.

March 19 — The total confirmed number of positive cases in the Hoosier state is 56. The total number of residents tested by the Indiana State Department of Health is 380.