Coronavirus Australia: Sydney’s surreal silence in photos

Sydney’s streets have more in common with a ghost town than a bustling city at the moment.

Most Sydneysiders haven’t ventured into the city centre since this whole virus debacle began, and it shows.

In the heart of Sydney, the silence is deafening.

These chilling images are set to be the first of many as the country prepares for a lockdown that could last weeks or even months.

It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced the strictest measure yet.

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Sydney’s iconic George St is empty, save for a tram that is also empty. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

Only a busker and a few others dare battle the conditions. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

Australians have been told not to go out in public with more than one other person, while public spaces such as playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms will be closed from midnight on Monday.

In a press conference yesterday evening, Mr Morrison said states and territories could decide whether to make the strict new rules enforceable but it was strongly advised that “unless it's your household, the family, those that are living at your residence” do not go out with more than one other person.

All Australians are urged to only go out to shop “for what you need, food and essential supplies”, shop as infrequently as possible, to attend medical care, exercise and work or education if you are unable to work or learn remotely.

The lights in Sydney’s city offices are out as everyone works from home. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

Sydney's surreal silence in photos. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

Professor Brendan Murphy, Australia's chief medical officer, said: “It is very simple. We need to all stay home unless we are going out to shop, to do personal exercise, to go to medical appointments, or to go to work or study if you can't work from home.

“Anyone who doesn't need to be out of their home should be in the home. This is radical.”

Circular Quay is also just as empty. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

These iconic hot spots are hardly recognisable without foot traffic. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

This past Friday night in Sydney was unrecognisable from its usual bustle. On George St, one of the busiest thoroughfares in Sydney, the only sounds that broke the whistling of wind lashing the buildings were from the horns of empty trams that passed by.

The iconic Dymocks sign is one of the only familiar things about George St. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

In what should be the heart of the city, the heave of people became a trickle.

A short wander down to the Opera House left one feeling as though they'd stepped into the movie Inception, and were now surveyor of their own private world.

However, such an impression was quickly dispelled as police passed by looking for groups of inappropriately large numbers.

The once-thriving walk towards the Opera House is virtually deserted. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

Absolutely no boats out on the Sydney Harbour. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

At the other end of the city, on Crown St off Oxford St, citizens sought to spread the message of social distancing with a veneer of positivity. Posters adorned whitewashed brick walls to bring colour to a dreary reality.

Social distancing has become part of everyday living. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

Along Pitt St, the city appeared as a giant diorama, overseen but uninhabited.

For the first time, Mark Kriedemann was able to see the grates on the ground amid the empty boulevard. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

A city without people. Picture: Mark Kriedemann/The Comma

It’s a trend not unique to Sydney. All over the world, cities are turning into veritable ghost towns as the coronavirus pandemic takes hold.

The city that never sleeps taking a nap @newscomauHQ #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/W39OCFwstN

— Megan Palin (@Megan_Palin) March 20, 2020

This article originally appeared on UTSoC’s The Comma and was reproduced with permission