6 years since COVID-19 pandemic began. What happened March 11, 2020

It has been six years since theCOVID-19 pandemicbegan and though aftershocks continue to affect us all, one day stands out as monumental.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declaredCOVID-19a global pandemic, as theNBAsuspended its season,Tom Hankstested positive for the virus and PresidentDonald Trumpannounced a U.S. travel ban.

That morning, during a meeting with the House Oversight and Reform Committees, then-Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci warned lawmakers that, "Things will get worse than they are right now." At the time, 118,000 cases and 4,291 deaths related to COVID-19 had been reported in 114 countries. As of Feb. 22, more than7.1 million COVID-19-related deathshad been reported in 231 countries, according to WHO, with 1.2 million deaths in the U.S.

Here's a look at the key moments from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020.

Nation:Ex-Missouri lawmaker who admitted to COVID fraud sentenced to prison

WHO declares pandemic

Not long after Fauci made his statements on March 11, 2020, WHOdeclaredCOVID-19 a global pandemic.

Cities ban large gatherings

Throughout the day, government officials across the U.S. putbans on large gatherings, aimed at reducing the spread of the virus.

Former San Francisco Mayor London Breed prohibited gatherings of more than 1,000 people, former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and former Oregon Gov. Kate Brown put bans on events of 250 people throughout their states.

First positive case on Capitol Hill

A staff member for Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell was thefirst individual on Capitol Hill to test positive for the viruson March 11, 2020.

NBA suspends season; NCAA rolls back March Madness crowds

The NCAAannouncedthat due to the virus outbreak, March Madness would only be held with the players, essential staff and limited family in attendance. A day later, the men's and women's basketball tournaments werecanceled.

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The evening of March 11, 2020, shortly before tipoff between theOklahoma City ThunderandUtah Jazz, referees and coaches learned that Jazz center Ruby Gobert was positive for the virus. The game was postponed and then ultimately, the National Basketball Associationsuspended the remainder of its 2019-2020 season.

Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson test positive

Actor Tom Hanks posted a photo onInstagram, sharing that he and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for COVID-19.

"We felt a bit tired, like we had colds, and some body aches. Rita had some chills that came and went. Slight fevers too. To play things right, as is needed in the world right now, we tested for the Coronavirus, and were found to be positive," Hanks wrote in hispost. "We'll keep the world posted and updated. Take care of yourselves!"

Trump declares nationwide emergency, issues travel ban

In the evening of March 11, 2020, TrumpdeclaredCOVID-19 a nationwide emergency and announced a 30-day travel ban on non-U.S. citizens traveling from 26 European countries would be implemented at the end of the week.

Six years later: March 11, 2026

While social distancing and masks have faded away, COVID-19 variants still circulate, primarily during cold and flu season.

Last year, COVID-19-related deaths peaked the week of Jan. 11, 2025, with reported1,049 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). In comparison, the peak number of weekly deaths in 2024, also in January, was 2,587 deaths. And for an even more drastic comparison, the peak number of weekly deaths in 2021, in early January, was 31,349 deaths, according to the CDC.

As of March 10, COVID-19 cases were only growing in two states –Virginia and Arkansas, according to the CDC. Throughout most of the country, cases were on the decline.

As of November 2025, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control recommended the2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccinefor anyone over the age of six months. The vaccine is particularly important, the CDC states, for folks who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are 65 and up, are at high risk for the virus, live in a long-term care facility and are pregnant, breastfeeding and/or trying to get pregnant.

Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Story idea? Email her atgcross@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Looking back on the COVID-19 pandemic, six years later

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6 years since COVID-19 pandemic began. What happened March 11, 2020

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Haleon makes oral-health push in China as other Western brands falter

By Alexander Marrow

Haleon's factory in China

LONDON, March 11 (Reuters) - Haleon is stepping up its Chinese expansion, pushing into second- and third-tier cities and tailoring its gum-health products to local ‌tastes, aiming to succeed where many Western consumer brands have struggled.

Sluggish demand and fierce ‌competition have hit Western heavyweights from BMW to Pernod Ricard and Nike, which all reported weaker China sales last ​year.

But Haleon, helped by strong growth in Sensodyne toothpaste, is doubling down with a 65 million pound ($87 million) investment in a new oral-health plant in Shanghai. CEO Brian McNamara says the goal is to take its Parodontax brand into more than 30 cities by the end of 2027.

"For us, ‌China's an incredible market," he ⁠told Reuters, citing mid-teens growth for Sensodyne and an 860 million-pound gum-health market.

"Over 70% of consumers in China suffer from gum health issues," McNamara said. "We ⁠have a product to address it. There's a clear consumer need."

SWEETER FLAVOUR, FOAMIER TOOTHPASTE

China accounts for about 10% of Haleon's 11-billion-pound business and nearly 13% of the $59 billion global oral-health market, which Mordor ​Intelligence ​expects to reach about $80 billion by 2031.

Haleon relaunched Parodontax ​in China in late 2024 after ‌an unsuccessful attempt around five years ago, Jayant Singh, global head of oral health, told Reuters.

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Now in 10,000 outlets across 19 cities, the product has been tailored to Chinese tastes with a sweeter, more fragrant flavour, a foamier brushing feel and glossier packaging.

"It's these minor nuances that you need to put into your mix to really drive acceptance," Singh said.

Sensodyne, Haleon's largest ‌brand, is used by around 11% of Chinese households, ​Singh said, well behind local leader Yunnan Baiyao, which ​Haleon estimates at 29.8%.

Some Western firms are ​scaling back in China. Starbucks in November sold control of its China ‌operations to Boyu Capital after weak sales, ​and Nike is resetting ​its China strategy after successive quarterly sales declines.

Haleon, by contrast, last year bought the Chinese government out of its local joint venture for about 700 million pounds.

McNamara joined British ​Prime Minister Keir Starmer's January ‌trip to China and said meetings with senior regulators were valuable.

"We've found the ​Chinese government very supportive of what we're trying to do," he said.

($1 = 0.7507 ​pounds)

(Reporting by Alexander Marrow. Editing by Mark Potter)

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Haleon makes oral-health push in China as other Western brands falter

By Alexander Marrow Haleon's factory in China LONDON, March 11 (Reuters) - Haleon is stepping up its Chi...

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Taylor Swift’s Fiancé Says He’s Had ‘Too Many Beers,’ Needs To Hit the Gym

Travis Kelceis finallyreturningfor the 14th NFL season, and fans couldn't be happier. He made the announcement on March 9, confirming that he hasn't retired yet. While fans are excited about his comeback, Kelce revealed during "The Pat McAfee Show" that he has had "too many beers" lately and needs to hit the gym to get back in shape.Taylor Swift's fiancéalso mentioned that he needs to "hunker down and get back to the craft."

Travis Kelce says he needs to get back into the gym and 'hunker down' for his Chiefs return

Travis Kelcedelighted his fans after announcing on March 9 that he will return for his 14th NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end also spoke in depth about his motivation for continuing to play the game during "The Pat McAfee Show." He revealed that he needed to take a step back and "let the emotions of the season settle down." Kelce continued that he is deeply in love with the game and still loves to "grind in and out," giving his best for his team.

Talking about his fiancée,Taylor Swift, Kelce said that they "share the same love" for their respective professions, which is very motivating for him. Speaking about the game, he admitted that he needs to get back in shape to play this season. He revealed that his teammates and head coach, Andy Reid, are motivating him at every step.

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Kelce said, "I've been having a few too many Garage Beers right now, never too many." He continued that now he needs to hit the gym and "hunker down" so that he can get back to his craft. The NFL player added, "I think the biggest thing about coming back was that we've got to be even hungrier than we've been before."

He concluded that his team has a strong mindset to improve, and that energy is motivating him to push harder and prepare better for the season.

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Taylor Swift’s Fiancé Says He’s Had ‘Too Many Beers,’ Needs To Hit the Gym

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‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 teases Kitty’s senior year — and a sister cameo

Kitty Song Covey'sdetermined to make senior year count,come hell or high water.

"XO, Kitty" fansgot asneak peekat Kitty's senior year, which may or may not include a Lara Jean cameo, in theSeason 3 teaserfor the spinoff, which premieres April 2.

Inspired by a character featured in the"To All the Boys" book and film trilogy, "XO, Kitty" chronicles Kitty's journey to Seoul, South Korea, the birthplace of her late mother and home to her long-distance boyfriend.

Kitty is returning to Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), where she's fallen in love (more than once), made lifelong friends and put hermatchmaking skillsto good use, with her "perfect senior year mapped out."

"I am so excited for senior year," Kitty says in the trailer. "There's still so many things I want to do before my time at KISS is over."

Between making big decisions about her future and creating meaningful memories with her friends, accomplishing the tasks on her Senior Sunset list will prove to be more difficult than she thinks, especially when "surprise revelations throw her plans, and relationships, off course."

A synopsis from Netflix reads: "Kitty will have to learn to embrace the unexpected."

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Watch it here:Stream your favorite shows, the biggest blockbusters and more.

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Here's everything we know about "XO, Kitty" Season 3, including how to watch.

Watch 'XO, Kitty' Season 3 trailer

Min Ho, others return for 'XO, Kitty' Season 3

Familiar faces (and a few new ones) will round out the senior class, including:

• Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart)

• Min Ho (Sang Heon Lee)

• Yuri (Gia Kim)

• Dae (Choi Min-yeong)

Q (Anthony Keyvan), Juliana (Regan Aliyah), Jin (Joshua Lee), Madison (Jocelyn Shelfo), Eunice (Han Bi Ryu), Mihee (Sunny Oh) and Praveena (Sasha Bhasin) are also back at KISS for their senior year.

Other characters returning include: Jiwon (Hojo Shin), Alex (Peter Thurnwald), Professor Lee (Michael K. Lee) and Mr. Moon (Philippe Lee).

Marius (Sule Thelwell), Yisoo (Soy Kim) and Gigi (Christine Hwang) are joining the "XO, Kitty" cast for Season 3.

'XO, Kitty' Season 3 release date

"XO, Kitty" Season 3 premieres Thursday, April 2 on Netflix. All Season 3 episodes will drop on premiere day.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'XO, Kitty' Season 3 release date, cast and how to watch

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‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 teases Kitty’s senior year — and a sister cameo

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Cardi B Apologizes for Accidentally Throwing Water on Fan

Cardi Brecently caught attention for accidentally throwing water on a fan during aconcert. The fan shared the clip on Instagram, claiming that it was "worth it." Responding to it, the singer/rapperapologizedto the social media user. The incident happened in Houston, where the diva performed during herLittle Miss Drama Tour. Meanwhile, in the comments, viewers seemed excited to see Cardi B's response.

Cardi B comments on fan's video with apology for throwing water bottle during concert

Cardi B's apology in a fan's video during her recent concert has become viral. She apologized for throwing water on the Instagram user, who shared the clip on her handle. "Sorry friend …I'm mad at myself cause wat happen if you was going to the club after and I just f ur sh up," the "WAP" hitmaker commented.

Furthermore, the video began with an on-screen text, saying, "When you got your hair done yesterday, but Cardi B accidentally throws water on you. WORTH IT." It then featured the fan recording the bombshell's live performance. At the time, the rapper was pouring water on herself in the middle of the performance. As she threw the bottle away, the remaining water sprayed on the particular individual.

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It was an accident, and the fan didn't mind it; instead, she flaunted it to the world. In the caption, she wrote, "Cardi B in Houston! Not putting anymore heat in my hair, so whatever reverted, ain't my problem. You put on a show miss Am I the drama? Please let me get some."

Meanwhile, a viewer commented, "I just knew she was gonna be in the comments." Many users cheered for the fan's moment and were surprised by the celebrity's response. One comment read, "Like not everybody can say that Cardi B threw water on them like what a cool story to tell your kids lol so jelly." Moreover, the "Am I the Drama" artist's apology garnered over 140K likes, while the post received over 190K likes at the time of writing.

The postCardi B Apologizes for Accidentally Throwing Water on Fanappeared first onReality Tea.

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Cardi B Apologizes for Accidentally Throwing Water on Fan

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A Senegal boarding school that drew students from the US is at the center of an abuse investigation

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The American Dara Academy inSenegalmarketed itself to families in the United States as an affordable boarding school where their children could study the Quran alongside an American curriculum. Parents and families — many with West African roots — sent their children to the school believing it would be a rigorous and affordable religious education.

But the school is being investigated for alleged physical abuses, with hundreds of students withdrawing from the academy and one of two campuses — where most of the alleged abuses took place — now closed, according to an official close to the case.

In accounts shared with The Associated Press, students alleged that supervisors beat disobedient pupils repeatedly in a so-called "magic room." The schoolchildren said they were sometimes ordered to strip to their underwear or be naked and told to squat with their arms extended, gripping heavy rocks. If the rocks fell, the beatings grew worse.

The authorities in Senegal confirmed to the AP that an investigation is underway. The country's gendarmerie, its child protective services and the Ministry of Justice are involved in the inquiry, according to an official close to the case.

In late January, the school's director and three administrators were arrested, according to parents and a person with direct knowledge of the arrests and investigations. They said the director was released and placed under house arrest.

Senegal's child protective services, known by its French acronym AEMO, did not respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the gendarmerie, Ibrahima Ndiaye, confirmed that the force was notified about the abuses but said the investigation is now with the Ministry of Justice.

The school director and administrators who were arrested told the AP they could not speak on the matter due to the ongoing investigation. The exact charges have not been announced.

"The children are in the care of authorities, and charges will be filed against anyone found responsible," Aminata Diagne, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, said of the ongoing investigations into the abuses.

Students said they were beaten with sticks

The American Dara Academy enrolled 311 students — including 120 U.S. citizens — across two campuses in Senegal. Most students were children of West African origin born in the United States, some from European countries such as France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. Only a few were from West Africa.

According to a Jan. 12 written complaint sent by the U.S. Embassy in Dakar to Senegalese authorities, several American students reported severe corporal punishment. The minors, according to the letter, identified the school's director, who is a dual American-Guinean citizen, and three other administrators, as responsible for the abuses.

The AP has verified the authenticity of the complaint letter and its claims about abuses by speaking with dozens of parents and officials close to the case. The parents and officials who agreed to be interviewed did so without attribution to protect their children and because they were not authorized to speak about the issue.

In their accounts, the students described administrators beating them with sticks on their legs, backs, and genitals while being forced to maintain stress positions.

Some students said steel rods were sometimes used on areas that would not leave visible marks. At times, the blows landed on their heads, they said.

It is unclear whether any injuries required hospitalization, but some students reported receiving scars on multiple parts of their bodies.

The students were warned by their abusers not to speak to U.S. Embassy officials or to the police, or their parents in the United States could be arrested by immigration authorities and deported, according to the embassy's complaint letter and a person familiar with the case.

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The ministry and other relevant agencies have released few details about the case or potential charges.

'I really thought I was leaving them in a safer place'

Some parents told the AP they chose the American Dara Academy for its combination of religious instruction and a U.S. curriculum at a relatively low cost, of about $300 per month, including tuition, housing, and meals.

The school ran two campuses, one in the capital, Dakar, and the second in Toubab Dialaw, a coastal village 55 kilometers (34 miles) from the capital.

Before its closure, the high school campus in Toubab Dialaw — where most of the alleged abuse took place — consisted largely of a construction site with trailers, no running water, frequent power outages, and makeshift zinc latrines. Students, however, were being taught in the facility, according an official with direct knowledge of the investigation.

After the embassy contacted families, about two-thirds of the students — roughly 250 children, including around 100 Americans — withdrew from the school and returned to their home countries, according to parents and a person familiar with the investigation. The remaining students were transferred to the Dakar campus, which is in better condition.

The AP spoke to dozens of parents, many of them saying they were contacted by the U.S. embassy about the alleged abuses. None said their children told them about the abuses.

One parent, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect their child's privacy, said they have withdrawn their children and are waiting for them to be brought back to the U.S. They said their children were not among those said to have been abused.

"When I first visited the school, I stayed with them for a week," the parent said. "I really thought I was leaving them in a safer place."

Corporal punishment

In Senegal, corporal punishment remains lawful in homes under the country's family law, which gives those with paternal authority a "right of correction," though criminal statutes punish violence that causes severe injuries.

While corporal punishment is prohibited in schools for children under 14, the law does not explicitly extend to children outside that age range, private schools, or religious schools, where the "right of correction" can still potentially apply.

United Nations and children's rights organization reports note that corporal punishment continues in practice.

It remains unclear whether prosecutors will file charges or what further actions are being considered.

For now, the investigation continues, and the children who once filled its dormitories are scattered — some back home, others still in the school waiting for answers.

The school building in Dakar is under tight security, with police guarding the site.

Associated Press writer Babacar Dione in Dakar, Senegal, contributed to this report.

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March 10, 2026

A Senegal boarding school that drew students from the US is at the center of an abuse investigation

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The American Dara Academy inSenegalmarketed itself to families in the United States as an affordabl...

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Six killed in Swiss bus blaze after person reportedly sets themselves on fire

By Olivia Le Poidevin

GENEVA, March 10 (Reuters) - At least six people died and three others were injured in a bus fire on Tuesday ‌in a small town in western Switzerland, in what police said ‌may have been a deliberate act following reports that a person on board set fire to themselves.

Police said ​the bus became engulfed in flames on a road in Kerzers, a town in the canton of Fribourg, about 20 km (12 miles) from the Swiss capital, Bern.

"At this stage, we have elements suggesting a deliberate act by a person who was ‌inside the bus," said Frederic ⁠Papaux, a spokesperson for Fribourg police.

Investigators were looking into reports that a person had poured fuel on themselves, said Christa Bielmann, ⁠another local police spokesperson. It was too early to say whether the incident was terror-related, she told a press conference.

Three injured people were taken to hospital, police said. ​Two ​other people caught up in the blaze ​also received attention but did not ‌need to be hospitalised.

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Passengers were seen escaping from the burning bus, panicked and injured, Papaux said, adding that no other vehicle was involved.

Swiss media outlet 20 Minutes said it had seen a video taken at the scene in which an injured person said: "A man set himself on fire. He poured gasoline over himself ‌and then lit himself."

Video after the flames were ​extinguished showed the charred remains of the ​vehicle, a yellow so-called Postauto.

Swiss President ​Guy Parmelin offered his condolences and said the incident was ‌being investigated.

"It shocks and saddens me ​that once again people ​have lost their lives in a serious fire in Switzerland," he said in a statement on X, noting investigations were under way.

In January, Switzerland ​was rocked by a fire ‌in a bar in the Swiss ski resort of Crans Montana ​that killed 41 people and injured 115.

(Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; ​Editing by Neil Fullick and Lincoln Feast.)

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March 10, 2026

Six killed in Swiss bus blaze after person reportedly sets themselves on fire

By Olivia Le Poidevin GENEVA, March 10 (Reuters) - At least six people died and three others were injured in a...

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