2020 in review: How the coronavirus crisis unfolded month by month

As one of the most extraordinary years of modern times draws to a close, New Scientist looks back at the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the possibility of life on Venus and more

December 2019

Cases of a mysterious form of pneumonia are reported in Wuhan, China. Doctors rule out some known viruses as the cause, suspecting it is a new microbe. Some of those affected work at Huanan Seafood Market, where live animals are also sold.

31 December 2019

China notifies the World Health Organization (WHO) of the cluster of pneumonia cases. At this stage, officials say there is no clear…