In January 2020, we had no idea the year would end up like this. Here are the key moments in pictures:
19. September
Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove recommends that people now work from home if able to do so.
A total of 6,634 new coronavirus cases are recorded, the highest single-day figure so far since the outbreak began.
The Prime Minister prepares to announce new restrictions including a 10pm curfew on pubs, bars and restaurants in England
20. October
The Prime Minister launches a three-tier system of local alert levels for England, with the Liverpool City Region the only area to be placed in Tier 3 – very high – category.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham accuses the Government of treating the North with “contempt” as a row erupts over proposed restrictions in the area.
Following more than a week of negotiations, Mr Johnson imposes Tier 3 restrictions on Greater Manchester after talks aimed at reaching an agreement end in acrimony.
21. November
Mr Johnson announces that people in England will be told to stay at home for four weeks as the country is placed under another national lockdown, with the closure of hospitality and non-essential shops.
Interim data from US firm Moderna suggests its vaccine is highly effective in preventing people getting ill and also works across all age groups, including the elderly.
22. November
The UK Government and devolved administrations agree on plans allowing families to reunite over the festive period by forming “Christmas bubbles”.
23. December
Grandmother Margaret Keenan, 90, becomes the first patient in the world to receive the Pfizer and BioNTech jab as the NHS launches its biggest ever vaccine campaign.
Mr Hancock tells MPs a new strain of coronavirus has been identified in southern England, with the number of cases involving the new variant “increasing rapidly”
24. December
The Prime Minister cancels Christmas for almost 18 million people across London and eastern and south-east England by moving them into a newly created Tier 4 for two weeks – effectively returning to the lockdown rules of November – after scientists warn of the rapid spread of the new variant VUI 202012/01