Eerie before and after footage of tourism capitals now closed amidst the coronavirus pandemic

Once bustling and busy Australian streets have become empty in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

As Australians are incrementally warned by government leaders and health authorities about more restrictions to their way of life, busy roads in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide have been seen deserted.

The potentially deadly virus has now infected more than 200,000 people across the globe and killed more than 8000 people. World leaders are increasingly describing the battle against the virus as “a war”, urging citizens to make provisions and get ready for long, difficult and uncertain times ahead.

Yesterday US President Donald Trump described the US as a country at war, and invoked special powers through the Defence Production Act to produce extra personal protection equipment, including masks.

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In Australia and around the world, people are being urged to isolate themselves where possible, avoid social contact and work from home, with containment of the coronavirus only possible by social distancing.

Scott Morrison yesterday warned Australians that changes to their daily lives could continue for the long haul as the virus crisis is expected to continue for months.

“There is no two-week answer to what we’re confronting,” Mr Morrison said on Wednesday.

“The idea that you can just turn everything off for two weeks and then turn it all back on again and it all goes away, that is not the evidence.”

— with AAP