The deadly coronavirus has spread to 120 countries now and the pandemic seems unstoppable. Robust economies like China and the US are reeling under its effects. Bustling cities have become a shadow of their former selves. Here's how much these countries and regions within them have changed over the past two months.
South Korea
South Korea has been the second worst-hit country after China, in Asia. Another 242 new cases were reported compared with only 35 a day earlier, bringing the total in Asia's worst outbreak outside mainland China to 7,755, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. The death toll rose by one to 60. Nearly 90 percent of South Korea's cases are in Daegu and the neighbouring North Gyeongsang province. Daegu lies 150 miles south of Seoul and has been a bustling industrial centre. It is also a transport hub, home to 2.5 million people. But of late, it's worn a deserted look. Masks have become a way of life for any of those who step out.
China
China has been the worst affected country by the coronavirus with Hubei province having been in lockdown for almost two months now. Wuhan, which was the epicentre of the virus, wore a deathly look for the longest time. Needless to say, the economy has been hit. Revenues are drying up. Restaurants, and shops have been forced to close to contain the virus and customer traffic is minimal. Eateries have closed down for good and staff has been asked to leave. Bustling cities like Shanghai and Beijing are a shadow of their former selves. Mainland China has seen 80,778 cases with 3158 deaths. Even though the number of new cases has been steadily decreasing, the situation is far from normal and will take a while to get back on track. Business owners are now struggling to survive.
Italy
Lombardy is one of the wealthiest, busiest and densely populated regions of Italy. It also hosts large companies and multinationals. This is the region where COVID-19 has spread like wildfire. The busiest locations now wear a deserted look. Eurozone's third largest economy Italy is looking at a bleak future. Up to 16 million people in northern Italy are in a state of lockdown. Coronavirus has claimed 366 deaths till now in Italy, the country becoming the worst hit after China. Cases have been confirmed in all 20 regions of Italy. The government has increased its spending to mitigate the impact of the deadly virus.
Iran
In March each year, Iran prepares for the Nowruz holidays, the arrival of spring and the Persian New Year. But this year is different due to the deadly coronavirus scare. Small business owners have depended on this time of the year for substantial sales. This is the time for the slowing economy to get a boost. But coronavirus has put an end to the revelry. The city of Qom is supposed to be the epicentre of the virus in Iran. The holiday season has turned into a tense time of the year for citizens. The country has 9000 cases so far with 354 dead.
France
With 1784 cases and 33 deaths due to the incurable coronavirus, the condition in France is also looking grim. Flights between Italy and France stand disrupted. Authorities have advised only essential travel. French President Emmanuel Macron has stated that France was "only at the beginning" of the coronavirus outbreak. In Paris, transport operator RATP has beefed up its cleaning routine and government health advice is being broadcast on Metro, trams and buses. But tourist spots do look a bit off-colour with people in masks.
Spain
At 2067 cases and 47 deaths, Spain is fast becoming a hotbed of the deadly virus which causes COVID-19. Schools have been shut and flights suspended from Italy. The government is doing everything it can to stem the tide of infections. All La Liga football matches will be played behind closed doors for at least two weeks. Spain is the euro zone's fourth-largest economy and is trying its best to curtail the virus. Tourist hotspots in Madrid wear a deserted look and life is far from normal.
Germany
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has warned that up to 70% of the population of Germany could get affected by coronavirus. This means 58 million people could contract the deadly disease. Germany has witnessed 1622 cases till now and 3 deaths too. Berlin city authorities have cancelled all events with more than 1,000 participants until the end of the Easter holidays. Public life stands restricted in the country.
USA
The numbers of those affected by the virus in the US continues to increase and experts feel it has not yet peaked in the country. There are now more than 1000 cases and at least 32 people have lost their lives to it. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has warned that Americans will need to change the way they live their lives. At least 37 states have been affected with Washington seeing the largest number. Most of the streets wear a deserted look.