In pictures: High noon during coronavirus lockdown

Midday in most major towns and cities is usually a busy time. The hustle and bustle of everyday life has, however, been brought to a hushed standstill by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

As the number of confirmed cases hits 1.3 million and more than 180 countries struggle to contain the spread of the coronavirus outbreak, high noon during lockdown is eerily quiet.

These images show midday on 31 March 2020 around the world – a world during lockdown.

[All statistics were checked and correct as of 7 April 2020]

Wuhan, China

The new coronavirus came to light when the outbreak began in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019. More than 3,200 of the 3,335 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in China occurred in Hubei, the province containing Wuhan.

Grand Central Terminal, New York

With more than 368,000 confirmed cases, the US is now the country worst affected by the coronavirus crisis. New York City has been hit hardest, with 72,181 confirmed infections and more than 3,480 deaths.

Red Square, Moscow

Russia has reported over 7,490 cases and 58 deaths. It has also sent a planeload of medical supplies to the US, including ventilators and personal protective equipment, which landed in New York on 1 April.

Damascus Gate, Jerusalem

One of the main entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem, Damascus Gate is a popular tourist spot, now mostly deserted. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Israel has reached more than 9,000. The Bnei Brak suburb of Tel Aviv has become one of the centres of infection.

The Merlion, Singapore

Singapore was praised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for implementing strict measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19. But its containment plan is showing signs of strain, with infections rising tenfold in the last month – a development experts say could show how difficult it will be to curb coronavirus elsewhere.

Shibuya, Tokyo

Japan had avoided the very high levels of COVID-19 infection seen in other places, and while schools have been closed, most businesses have been operating as usual. But as fears of an explosion in cases grow in recent days, the country it set to declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and six other regions.