Even in a pandemic, good news and stories abound.
The past 12 months have brought catastrophic fires, a global pandemic, and economic uncertainty. However, breakthroughs in vaccines and treatments have given us hope during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even during a year of uncertainty and anxiety, we have much to celebrate.
The first confirmed U.S. case of the novel coronavirus, which we now know as COVID-19, was diagnosed a year ago, on January 20, 2020 in Snohomish County, Washington. During these past twelve months, we have learned a lot about the virus, our world, and ourselves.
Science was the star of 2020. Treatments, therapies, and an effective vaccine were quickly developed for COVID-19, a testament to modern medicine and scientists. Channeling Jonas Salk, AstraZeneca announced it will not profit from sales of its vaccine, while we are in a pandemic.
Within this past year, we have watched many acts of sacrifice, selflessness, and commitment within our community and society. These acts have been as a source of solace, when many felt isolated, uncertain, and doubtful. In fact, many discoveries and good stories came from 2020, although sometimes eclipsed behind dreary statistics.
Join us for a lighthearted walk through major breakthroughs, discoveries, and stories that showed how strong, capable, and connected we all are, even while in the midst of a global crisis.
January 2020
- Center for Disease Control confirms first travel-related case of COVID-19 in U.S.
- Glendive native and former Montana State University football star plays in Super Bowl
February 2020
- Scientists quickly find how COVID-19 infects hosts, paving the way for treatments and vaccines
- The first federal Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) issued, for a COVID-19 test
- The Oscars embrace worldwide artistry by crowning an international film king
March 2020
- Scientists find that symptomatic people are spreading covid-19
- Healthcare workers become 21st century soldiers; we howl to show our gratitude
- Technology connects us virtually, telecommuting & telehealth become commonplace
- Tiger King makes us feel better about our life choices
- A possible Jurassic Park inches closer to fruition
- A father’s work-from-home interview goes viral for all the right reasons
April 2020
- Manufacturers, producers, and businesses step up to make medical supplies
- LeVar Burton embraces his role as an American treasure and reads to our quarantined nation
- Pet adoptions soar, as people realize animals are better company than many people
- Sourdough makes a comeback (baking is often turned to in times of crisis)
- Puzzle makers move up a tax bracket
- Ancient hominid skulls rewrite human evolution
May 2020
- Antiviral drug gains EUA for use in COVID-19 patients
- First rapid antigen COVID-19 test also gets EUA
- Victory Gardens make a comeback and people take food production into their own hands
- Sweatpants reenter the fashion scene
- Living room dance parties replace clubs
- Crayola releases Colors of the World pack, so children can “color themselves into the world”
June 2020
- Drive-in movie theaters are back!
- COVID-19 test that creates genomic sequence of the virus gets EUA
- Steroid found to decrease deaths among COVID-19 patients
- NASA celebrates Mary W. Jackson’s contributions to aerospace science
- Scientists study fern-munching, armored-plated dinosaur’s last meal
- Barcelona Opera performs for sold-out crowd of… houseplants
July 2020
- Home dialysis expanded for Medicare and Medicaid patients
- Clinical trials for several COVID-19 vaccines make exciting waves
- Hamilton shows us that both Revolutionary history & musicals are fire
- Musicians, museums, and artists open virtual shows; we enjoy art and culture from our homes
- NASA sends the biggest and most-complex rover to Mars
- Ancient cave party rewrites first North Americans’ history
August 2020
- Rapid COVID-19 saliva test and portable test get Emergency Use Authorization (EUA)
- Africa declared free of polio
- Star Betelgeuse had a bit of gas that temporarily blocked its shine
September 2020
- Teachers get the validation of a lifetime; parents help with homeschooling
- Pfizer expands vaccine clinical trials
- All Americans to get free COVID-19 vaccine
- Grieving killer whale gives birth to a healthy calf
October 2020
- First COVID-19 drug approved by Food and Drug Administration
- 2020 electorate was the most diverse in our nation’s history
- NASA lands a spacecraft on ancient asteroid Bennu
- First tyrannosaur embryo fossils announced, found on Indigenous land in northwest Montana
- Whitefish native becomes first Montana-born player drafted by National Hockey League
November 2020
- Successful clinical vaccine trials announced!
- A record number of voters turn out for 2020 election
- Antibody COVID-19 mixture shows positive results on recovery time and viral load
- Missoula Sentinel player named Sports Illustrated All-American finalist
December 2020
- First COVID-19 vaccine doses arrive in Montana
- Bozeman opens first cat café in Montana
- Former Montana State University player makes National Basketball Association debut
- Humpback whale makes holiday visit to New York City
January 2021
- Well-preserved Woolly Rhino found in Siberia
- Volunteers remove almost five tons of trash from one of U.S.’s dirties rivers
As of today, 107,300 COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered to Montanans
The past year has brought challenges, but it has also brought many successes and moments to celebrate. As we march forward to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, please continue to take steps to reduce COVID-19 spread, care for your mental health, thank a healthcare worker, and celebrate the small daily victories that comfort and unite us as a community. We are in this together.
