Around a World That Is Practicing Social Distancing

MAR 31, 2020

Factories, national parks, and dense urban areas worldwide feel the effects of COVID-19.

Abigail Malate

Around a World That Is Practicing Social Distancing lead image — Plush toy rabbits hung out to dry after being disinfected.

Mary-Jo Photography/oisansoft

(Inside Science) -- This March, we see how COVID-19 has affected people all around the globe. Facing social distancing, self-isolation, and shortages in medical supplies, these pictures show how everyday people are coping with the pandemic.

NASA’s Earth Observatory captured this aerial view of drastic change in China. These nighttime city lights show us where the residents of Wuhan live, and how. On Jan. 19, 2020 (left), lights in the downtown district shone brightly. Less than a month later (right), the area was much dimmer, signaling the shutdown of public transportation and businesses. (NASA/Joshua Stevens )

In the U.S., businesses, restaurants and even the national parks are facing closures. Pictured here is the North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone is closed until further notice to protect the visitors, employees and volunteers of the park. (Yellowstone National Park )

NPS / Jacob W. Frank

In Finnish Lakeland, a man takes a moment of respite in a gazebo. Images like these, of nearly deserted areas, seem to be becoming more commonplace. As people stay home more than usual, it’s important to remember to step outside once in a while -- just make sure to stay 6 feet away from others. (Finland Lakeland )

Wille Markkanen

In Italy, personnel from the Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Civil Protection Department) work together to prepare PPE, or personal protective equipment. These much-needed shipments will be transported to regions across the country. (Dipartimento Protezione Civile )

In France, stuffed animals hang on the line to dry after a thorough disinfecting. In times like these, even such beloved objects as children’s toys necessitate cleaning. At the same time, they act as a reminder of those small things we hold close and precious to our hearts in trying times. (Mary-Jo Photography/oisansoft )