Satellite image of Venice, Italy
Source: Planet Labs
This is what it looks like when the world pauses because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Before-and-after satellite images starkly show just how much things have changed across the planet as the coronavirus outbreak spread.
Images provided by commercial satellite company Planet Labs reveal empty parking lots, beaches, bridges, waterways, and popular tourist and religious destinations in recent days.
Last week, thousands of people crowded the beaches of Miami on a sunny day, relaxing on the sands.
Videos showing college spring breakers partying on Florida beaches drew widespread criticism as concern grew over the coronavirus, and as cities around the nation urged residents to engage in social distancing to avoid spreading the disease.
Miami, before:
Satellite image of Miami Beach
Source: Planet Lab
Satellite image of Miami Beach on March 20th, 2020.
Source: Planet Lab
Satellite image of Venice, Italy on Feb. 28th, 2020.
Source: Planet Labs
Satellite image of Venice, Italy
Source: Planet Labs
Mecca, Saudi Arabia, one of the holiest cities in Islam, draws millions of people from around the world each year as they seek to complete the hajj, or pilgrimage, which is a mandatory duty for Muslims if they are capable of doing so.
The photo below shows a crowd, seen in black, walking in a circle around the Kaaba, the “House of Allah,” the square building in the center of the Great Mosque of Mecca.
Mecca, before:
Satellite image of Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Jan 25th, 2020.
Source: Planet Labs
Satellite image of Mecca in Saudi Arabia on Marche 10th, 2020.
Source: Planet Labs
Millions of people each year make a secular pilgrimage to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, one of the most popular tourist destinations on Earth.
Walt Disney World Resort, before
A satellite image of Disney World in Orland, Fla on Jan 6th, 2020.
Source: Planet Labs
A satellite image of Disney World in Orlando, Fla on March 18th, 2020.
Source: Planet Labs