Coronavirus: Australian cities deserted over COVID-19 fears

The streets of Australia’s major cities have been left empty as more people stay indoors in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The usually busy streets of some of Australia’s major cities have been left virtually empty as more people make the decision to stay home in a bid to avoid contracting the coronavirus.

Social media has been flooded with pictures of near-deserted streets, airports, tourist attractions and public transport as cases of COVID-19 continue to rise across the country.

“7.03am on Elizabeth St nr McEvoy St, Waterloo. Normally bumper-to-bumper citybound but today is nudging ghost-town status. Surreal,” one Sydney resident posted to Reddit.

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One social media user said one Sydney street was nearly a 'ghost town'. Picture: u/BJPHS/Reddit

Streets scenes around Sydney look empty and lifeless as people stay away due to fears of the coronavirus. Picture: David Swift.

An increasing number of people appear to be staying indoors. Picture: David Swift.

Sydney’s Opera House, Circular Quay, Hyde Park and St Mary’s Cathedral, which are usually bustling with tourists, have been getting increasingly quiet.

Photos show the steps of Opera House almost completely empty and the usually busy George St deserted.

CBDs across the country have seen a drastic reduction in people, with pictures snapped of Brisbane’s Queen St Mall over the weekend showing only a few people out and about.

International airport terminals across the country have been deserted after the government urged Aussies to reconsider any “non-essential” overseas travel.

Empty baggage check-in lines inside in the international terminal at Tullamarine Airport, Melbourne. Picture: James Ross/AAP

Queen street mall is looking quiet in Brisbane CBD. Picture: John Gass/AAP

Areas that are usually full of tourists have now been left empty. Picture: David Swift

“We have also decided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that we now advise all Australians to reconsider your need to travel overseas at this time, regardless of your destination, age or health – if your travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time,” Mr Morrison told reporters on Friday afternoon.

“So we are effectively putting in place what is called a level three travel advice for travel of Australians overseas.

“This is done to protect their health and to limit their exposure, given we have so many countries now that are affected by the coronavirus.”

This advice came after Mr Morrison said that from today all non-essential organised events of more than 500 people should not go ahead.

Should have been Grand Prix day, one of busiest days in year, hotel seems empty, just me for breakfast before heading to airport 6 days early.#COVIDー19 #lockdown pic.twitter.com/LZJUZk15pK

— Alan Johnstone (@AlanJohnstone2) March 14, 2020

The Docklands area of Melbourne. Usually the busiest most bustling part of the city currently a ghost town.

Wow. Just wow. #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/wPAoWSpWnF

— Hrvatski (@Sensatski) March 12, 2020

Sydney International ✈️ not far off a ghost town.

9.30am weekdays is usually the hustle and bustle for those heading to the United States , New Zealand
& beyond pic.twitter.com/f2jA84B8HU

— Tony Sheahan (@TonySheahan) March 12, 2020

He said on Friday recommendations from health authorities meant the extraordinary decision was necessary to combat the coronavirus crisis.

“There will be many issues to work through between now and Monday as we get the precise advice about the implementation of that advice to Australians around the country,” Mr Morrison said.

As a result a number of major events have been cancelled, including Vivid Sydney Light Festival, the Royal Easter Show, St Patrick’s Day festivities in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane, Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Tasmania’s Dark Mofo 2020, Australian Formula One Grand Prix and many more.

Victoria and the ACT have both declared a state of emergency today, after South Australia declared a public health emergency yesterday.