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The UK adjusts to life during coronavirus pandemic

23 March 2020

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said the government is ready to impose tougher restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus if people do not follow the guidance on social distancing.

On Monday many parts of central London were deserted.

Getty Images Two police officers walk over a deserted Westminster Bridge with the London Eye seen behind, in central London, 23 March 2020 — On Monday many parts of central London were deserted.

Although, some London Underground services were crowded during the early hours.

PA Media Busy Underground train — Although, some London Underground services were crowded during the early hours.

Commuters cross London Bridge at 08:20 GMT, during what would usually be the very busy morning rush-hour period.

Getty Images Commuters on London Bridge — Commuters cross London Bridge at 08:20 GMT, during what would usually be the very busy morning rush-hour period.

However, a near empty Trafalgar Square was pictured in the sunshine at lunch time.

Getty Images Trafalgar Square — However, a near empty Trafalgar Square was pictured in the sunshine at lunch time.

The BT Tower displayed a message saying "Stay Safe in these Unprecedented Times".

Getty Images The BT Tower displayed a message saying "Stay Safe in these Unprecedented Times". — The BT Tower displayed a message saying "Stay Safe in these Unprecedented Times".

British people have been told to stay at home and avoid public gatherings. Public transport has been reduced in many towns and cities as part of protective measures to reduce the spread of the disease.

Reuters A quiet bus passes the Bank of England — British people have been told to stay at home and avoid public gatherings. Public transport has been reduced in many towns and cities as part of protective measures to reduce the spread of the disease.

Shoppers observed social distancing as they queue outside Sainsbury's at Castle Court in Brislington, after Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said on Saturday that there was "plenty of food" in the supply chain.

PA Media Shoppers observed social distancing as they queue outside Sainsbury's — Shoppers observed social distancing as they queue outside Sainsbury's at Castle Court in Brislington, after Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the British Retail Consortium, said on Saturday that there was "plenty of food" in the supply chain.

Leeds City Council has temporarily closed all its playgrounds.

Getty Images A children's playground lays dormant — Leeds City Council has temporarily closed all its playgrounds.

Closed amusement arcades line the sea front in the coastal town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

PA Media Closed amusement arcades — Closed amusement arcades line the sea front in the coastal town of Scarborough, North Yorkshire.

Horses on the gallops in Newmarket, following the announcement that all horse racing in Britain has been suspended until the end of April.

PA Media Horses on the gallops in Newmarket — Horses on the gallops in Newmarket, following the announcement that all horse racing in Britain has been suspended until the end of April.

All photographs subject to copyright.

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