In pictures: the impact of coronavirus, seen from above

Jun 3, 2020

Sunbathers in San Francisco's Dolores Park lie in circles painted to aid social distancing.

Image: REUTERS/Drone Base

Joe Myers

Writer, Forum Stories

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COVID-19

Coronavirus lockdowns have cleared parks, streets and famous landmarks around the world.
From São Paulo to Santorini, aerial photos reveal the impact of the pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public spaces have emptied. Even from ground level, the change is clear – landmarks are deserted and our roads free of cars – but from up high, the contrast is even more stark.

As restrictions start to ease, these pictures are a reminder of the extraordinary changes seen around the world.

Have you read?

Time to stay home

Times Square, New York. Image: REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

18 March - One of the world’s most famous spots, Times Square, New York, is much quieter than usual.

The human cost

New graves are dug in Brazil. Image: REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli

2 April - Workers preparing more graves at Brazil’s largest cemetery, Vila Formosa in São Paulo.

The impact on religion

The Grand Mosque, Mecca. Image: REUTERS/Yasser Bakhsh

24 April - Mecca’s Grand Mosque is deserted on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

A rollercoaster ride

The Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. Image: REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

30 April - This Japanese theme park has been closed to the public during the pandemic.

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Tourism troubles

The streets of Oia, Santorini, have been emptied. Image: REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

7 May - No people to be seen in Oia, on the (usually) popular Greek island of Santorini.

Sunbathing circles

Keep your distance. Image: REUTERS/Drone Base

21 May - In San Francisco's Dolores park, circles have been painted to help with social distancing.

Any spaces?

Plenty of room for doughnuts. Image: REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

21 May - The car park of this New Jersey mall is empty, with only tyre marks visible from above.

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