The following events are the chronological story of The Division.
Black Friday - November 27th
During this time, the infection was first incubated. The infection spread through the handling of US money during Black Friday sales.
November 30th - December 1st
After the Black Friday infections, the first symptoms began to manifest, specifically fevers.
December 2nd - December 3rd
In the first 48 hours, Manhattan descended into chaos. 2/3rds of the population was evacuated, and diplomats and government leaders retreated from the city. A report rumored to be from CERA was released suggesting that the viral infection was propagated using US money during Black Friday. CERA itself denies this. Warren Merchant verifies that it is indeed a CERA report.
On December 2nd, Bill Kelleher is murdered. On December 3rd, his wife, April Kelleher withdraws the maximum amount possible from her ATM, and goes into hiding while writing a survival guide that will be widely used by future Division Agents. By the end of December 2nd, 48% of the population is affected. President Weller orders Colonel Charles Bliss into Manhattan to regain control.
Violence takes hold of Manhattan.
December 4th
Quarantine is officially implemented. The military creates a Base of Operations along East River near the Queens Midtown Tunnel.
December 18th
The military officially retreats from Manhattan, leaving hundreds of police, firefighters, and government officials behind along with thousands of civilians. Directive 51 is enacted.