Around a World That Is Practicing Social Distancing

Factories, national parks, and dense urban areas worldwide feel the effects of COVID-19.
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Plush bunnies on a clothes line in front of a stone wall.

Plush toy rabbits hung out to dry after being disinfected.

Abigail Malate, Staff Illustrator

(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.

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nighttime city lights show us where the residents of Wuhan live

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)

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North Entrance to Yellowstone National Park

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)

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Finnish Lakeland, a man takes a moment of respite in a gazebo

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)

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Dipartimento della Protezione Civile (Civil Protection Department) work together to prepare PPE

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)

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stuffed animals hang on the line to dry after a thorough disinfecting

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)

Author Bio & Story Archive

Abigail Malate is a graphic designer at the American Institute of Physics, which produces the editorially independent news service Inside Science.