Look back at major stories that made the headlines from Jan-March this year

2020 has been a tough and challenging year for all as we faced some unprecedented crisis such as the global COVID-19 pandemic and Tropical Cyclones.

We look back at some of the stories that made headlines during each month.

In January :

Fiji implemented the ban on single-use plastic bags.

Tropical Cyclone Tino affected Fiji.

A 54 member engineering contingent from the Republic of Fiji Military Forces left for Australia to assist in combatting Australia's bushfire crisis.

Vern Cotter appointed coach of the Fiji Airways Flying Fijians.

The World Health Organization declared the Coronavirus a global health emergency.

US basketball legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash in the city of Calabasas, California, along with his daughter Gianna and 7 others.

In the month of February;

The adult bus fares for all stages across the country increased by 7 cents.

Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s star, Jerry Tuwai was named the 2019 Fiji Tattslotto Sportsman of the Year.

Moana Wind of swimming won the Fiji Tattslotto Sportswoman of the Year Award.

The board of Fiji Revenue and Customs Service announced the resignation of Chief Executive Officer, Visvanath Das, and also confirmed that the Director Corporate Services, Fane Vave as the Interim Acting CEO.

The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s Team won the HSBC Sydney 7s for the first time after beating South Africa 12-10 in the final.

In the month of March;

Fiji confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on the 19th of March in Lautoka. The patient was a flight attendant with Fiji Airways.

On the 21st of March Fiji confirmed its 2nd case of COVID-19. The patient was the mother of the 1st confirmed case.

On the 23rd, Fiji confirmed the 3rd case who was the nephew of the first patient.

The fourth case of COVID-19 was recorded on the 24th of March.

The patient was a 28-year-old Fijian man who arrived back into the country from Australia.

Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama announced that gatherings of 20 or more people were banned in Fiji after the confirmation of the first COVID-19 case.

Bainimarama also announced a nationwide curfew.

Minister for Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum presented a COVID-19 supplementary budget in parliament.

Ashneel Sudhakar was terminated from his position as the Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources following the allegations of sexual harassment and his refusal to resign as a Member of Parliament.