A new world
Chances are you’ve been glued to the news lately, or at least checking it a few times a day. If that’s the case, you’re being inundated with words, reports and statistics, which can be terrifying and downright exhausting. Well, it’s like the old saying: A picture is worth a thousand words. Here are some photos from all around the world that really encapsulate the strange, isolating time we’re all living through.
Beaches closed
On March 31, 2020, caution tape blocks off this closed Hollywood, Florida beach. This visitor from Minnesota has set up her beach chair on the beach’s walkway, just outside the tape.
Elbow bump
This photo was taken after the White House’s daily coronavirus briefing on March 30. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, exchanges an “elbow bump” with Jim Acosta of CNN. What started as a somewhat facetious way to avoid shaking hands evolved into a legitimate safety-conscious greeting.
Support from Spain
In Madrid, Spain, a man confined to his home applauds for healthcare workers as the colours of the Spanish flag hang from his and nearby balconies.
Lone jogger
The usually bustling National Mall in front of the Washington Monument is deserted except for a single jogger on the morning of March 31.
Eiffel Tower
Paris’ Eiffel Tower, the icon of France, displays the words “AT HOME” for the more than two million Parisians. Throughout this period of distancing, the lights of the tower have shown this message as well as one thanking essential workers.
Awaiting tests
A member of the US National Guard maintains social distance as he informs people when to expect results of their COVID-19 tests. The testing centre where this photo was taken, at Lehman College in the Bronx, New York, can test as many as 500 people a day.
Parliament apart
In Canberra, Australia on March 23, Parliament resumes with Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the despatch box. Restrictions on the numbers of people in attendance are in place so that social distancing can be observed.
Solitude in Singapore
Another normally bustling place is downright ghostly in this April 1 photo of the Central Business District in Singapore, deserted except for a single man with a mask.
Serene station
New York’s Grand Central Station, a place that usually epitomises bustle and business, is nearly deserted on March 22.
Hong Kong wedding
After Hong Kong initially seemed to be keeping the COVID-19 spread relatively contained, it experienced another surge of cases after starting to return to normalcy. Now, gatherings in the city are advised to be limited to four or fewer people, with some exceptions. In one such instance on March 29, a wedding party poses for photos – with all but the bride and groom wearing protective masks.
Disney deserted
One of the things that really drove home the severity of the COVID-19 crisis for many people was the closure of Disney parks around the world. Here, an overhead shot taken on March 23 shows an eerily empty Main Street in Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida.