AS we continue to keep to lockdown rules, this week marks 100 days since the deadly coronavirus began to take hold of the world.

It’s an important time now to look back, reflect and remember the many tragedies while remembering why we should stay home, stay safe and protect our wonderful NHS.

December 31 2019

The outbreak of a mystery respiratory illness in the central Chinese city of Wuhan leaves 27 people with viral pneumonia - seven of whom are in a serious condition in hospital.

The number of confirmed cases rises to 44, most of which have been traced to the South China Seafood City food market in Wuhan, where offerings are reported to include wild animals that carry viruses dangerous to humans.

January 23

Health Secretary Matt Hancock tells the House of Commons that the NHS is “ready to respond appropriately” to any cases of coronavirus that emerge in the UK.

Meanwhile, the UK tests its first 14 patients for coronavirus, five of whom are in Scotland.

February 24

The World Health Organisation says the planet must prepare for a coronavirus pandemic.

March 5

The first person in the UK dies with coronavirus. The woman, in her 70s, died in the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading. A second person, a man in his 80s, dies the following day.

March 6

A relative of a student at Belfairs Academy in Leigh tests positive for coronavirus. The school remains open.

MArch 9

The head and some staff at Westcliff High School for Boys self-isolate after coming into contact with a grandparent who tested positive.

March 15

The Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to more than 30 countries.

March 17

Chancellor Rishi Sunak unveils a £330 billion package to help businesses furlough staff. Similar measures are announced later covering self-employed workers. Public worship is suspended by the Church of England.

MArch 20

UK schools are closed to stop the spread of Covid-19. They remain open for parents of key workers.

MARCH 23

Lockdown in the UK.

March 26

The virus arrives in our county and the first death is confirmed in Southend.

Southend Council confirms there is one death which can be “directly associated” to coronavirus in the town.

March 27

The numbers spike as three people die at Basildon Hospital. The three patients - one 29, another 61 and a third who was 85 - all had underlying health conditions, health authority bosses confirm.

March 27

Tributes paid to artist Paul Karslake, from Leigh, who lost his battle with the virus. His entrepreneur sister, Jo Wood, confirmed the news and joined many people paying tribute to her brother Mr Karslake, 61.

Ms Wood and Mr Karslake both grew up in Benfleet, with Ms Wood being the former wife of Rolling Stones musician Ronnie Wood.

In a post on Instagram, she said: “I love him so much, I’ll miss him so much. A funny talented wonderful father husband and brother, life won’t be the same without him.”

March 28

Tributes are paid to Leigh GP Dr Habib Zaidi and NHS bosses confirm he died after contracting coronavirus.

Dr Zaidi, 76, died in Southend Hospital within 24 hours of being taken into intensive care.

He was the first doctor in the UK to die after contracting Covid-19.

April 5

The Queen addresses the nation in a historic television broadcast, invoking themes of the Second World War blitz spirit by announcing: “We will meet again.” She also pays a heartfelt tribute to our NHS doctors and nurses, carers and essential workers working steadfastly for our nation.

April 6

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is taken into intensive care at St Thomas’s Hospital in London after Covid-19 symptoms worsen. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab is in charge.

Tributes are paid to Blues fan Mike Davis who died from coronavirus.