Coronavirus: Pictures show London's empty streets

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Piccadilly CircusImage source, Getty Images
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There have been nearly 500 confirmed cases of coronavirus in London

Streets around some of London's most popular landmarks are much quieter than normal after the government announced new measures to protect people from the coronavirus outbreak.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson warned people to avoid social contact, to work from home where possible and advised people to stay away from pubs, bars and restaurants.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the London Underground would be running a reduced service after passenger numbers dropped in recent days.

It was revealed at a government press conference on Tuesday that the coronavirus outbreak in London was "a few weeks ahead" compared to the rest of the UK.

Image source, Reuters
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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said 23 people had died in the capital as a result of coronavirus

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Boris Johnson advised people to stay away from restaurants and avoid social contact

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Oxford Street in central London was not empty

At the scene

BBC reporter Rebecca Cafe

Oxford Street, long considered Europe's busiest shopping street, was far from busy this afternoon but it was not empty.

The people milling around weren't weighed down with shopping bags. Instead most were walking with a purpose, perhaps to go to work or to pick up lunch.

The bigger shops had several people inside but if you looked through the windows of the more specialists shops, the sales assistants were standing alone, with no-one to serve.

People eating in a sit-down restaurant were pretty much eating alone, however places where food could be taken away had a steady trade.

There were still a few tourists, strolling down either looking for their hotel or pointing out the sights, but how long they will stay here remains to be seen.

London is not on lockdown - but people are definitely attempting to keep a social distance.

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Soho Square was not empty - but was not as busy as it normally is

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The National Gallery is among the tourist attractions to close because of the coronavirus outbreak

Image source, AFP
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Thousands of people usually walk across the Millennium Bridge between London's north and south banks

Image source, PA Media
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A shopping centre in Finsbury Park had no shoppers in it on Tuesday morning

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The government is set to announce more financial measures to help the economy

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Covent Garden's market was empty on Tuesday morning

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Some shops were empty on Oxford Street

Image source, EPA
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The normally busy Oxford Circus station was deserted

Image source, PA Media
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A woman walks past a Laura Ashley store in South Woodford after the fashion chain filed for administration putting 2,700 jobs at risk

Image source, Reuters
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A quiet Leicester Square after people were advised to stay away from London's West End

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The cake shops in Soho, in central London, are empty

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