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An abandoned desk chair at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street during the 5 p.m. evening rush hour on March 17, 2020.
Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune
An abandoned desk chair at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street during the 5 p.m. evening rush hour on March 17, 2020.

Chicago (and other) public spaces emptied in the age of coronavirus

Chicago Tribune
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An abandoned desk chair at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street during the 5 p.m. evening rush hour on March 17, 2020.
An abandoned desk chair at Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street during the 5 p.m. evening rush hour on March 17, 2020.
A mannequin stands in a storefront window on Sept. 1, 2020, on Madison Street in West Garfield Park.
A mannequin stands in a storefront window on Sept. 1, 2020, on Madison Street in West Garfield Park.
A boarded-up McDonald's, on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago's Loop.
A boarded-up McDonald’s, on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago’s Loop.
A news ticker announces new COVID-19 cases on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago's Loop.
A news ticker announces new COVID-19 cases on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago’s Loop.
A very quiet East Randolph Street on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago's Loop.
A very quiet East Randolph Street on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago’s Loop.
An empty outdoor dining table and boarded-up buildings are shown Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago's Loop.
An empty outdoor dining table and boarded-up buildings are shown Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago’s Loop.
Mounted Chicago police officers patrol Wacker Drive in front of Trump Tower on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago's Loop.
Mounted Chicago police officers patrol Wacker Drive in front of Trump Tower on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago’s Loop.
Pedestrians on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago's Loop.
Pedestrians on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago’s Loop.
CTA trains and light traffic on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago's Loop.
CTA trains and light traffic on Sept. 3, 2020, in Chicago’s Loop.
South Michigan Avenue in Chicago is nearly empty of cars on April 22, 2020.
South Michigan Avenue in Chicago is nearly empty of cars on April 22, 2020.
Passengers walk to a bus at an empty O'Hare International Airport on April 14, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.
Passengers walk to a bus at an empty O’Hare International Airport on April 14, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tennis courts next to Lincoln Park High School are locked and empty on April 21, 2020, in Chicago.
Tennis courts next to Lincoln Park High School are locked and empty on April 21, 2020, in Chicago.
Officer Juan Cabrales of the Chicago Police Mounted Unit rides east through a tunnel on a mostly traffic-free West Randolph Street with a police horse named Matthews on April 16, 2020, in Chicago.
Officer Juan Cabrales of the Chicago Police Mounted Unit rides east through a tunnel on a mostly traffic-free West Randolph Street with a police horse named Matthews on April 16, 2020, in Chicago.
A classroom is empty at Lane Tech College Prep on April 17, 2020, in Chicago.
A classroom is empty at Lane Tech College Prep on April 17, 2020, in Chicago.
Very few customers ride the Metra Electric line on April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.
Very few customers ride the Metra Electric line on April 15, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.
A woman wearing a mask walks near the Lyric Opera in Chicago's Loop on a quiet Monday morning, March 30, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A woman wearing a mask walks near the Lyric Opera in Chicago’s Loop on a quiet Monday morning, March 30, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A woman runs across West Webster Avenue at North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood on April 21, 2020.
A woman runs across West Webster Avenue at North Lincoln Avenue in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood on April 21, 2020.
A woman runs on the Madison Street Bridge in Chicago's Loop on a quiet Monday morning, March 30, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A woman runs on the Madison Street Bridge in Chicago’s Loop on a quiet Monday morning, March 30, 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A parking lot at O'Hare International Airport is nearly empty on March 23, 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.
A parking lot at O’Hare International Airport is nearly empty on March 23, 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic.
North Sheffield Avenue next to Wrigley Field is devoid of traffic in Chicago on March 23, 2020.
North Sheffield Avenue next to Wrigley Field is devoid of traffic in Chicago on March 23, 2020.
The Thompson Center is nearly empty of people during the coronavirus pandemic on March 22, 2020.
The Thompson Center is nearly empty of people during the coronavirus pandemic on March 22, 2020.
A person strolls the riverwalk next to the Chicago River on the morning of March 21, 2020 hours before Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker's order to shelter in place takes effect.
A person strolls the riverwalk next to the Chicago River on the morning of March 21, 2020 hours before Illinois. Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s order to shelter in place takes effect.
LaSalle Street. looking south, toward the empty Financial District on March 17, 2020.
LaSalle Street. looking south, toward the empty Financial District on March 17, 2020.
A pedestrian crosses the 200 block of North Stetson Avenue, March 17, 2020, in Chicago.
A pedestrian crosses the 200 block of North Stetson Avenue, March 17, 2020, in Chicago.
The Thompson Center is void of most workers, March 17, 2020, in Chicago.
The Thompson Center is void of most workers, March 17, 2020, in Chicago.
An abandoned St. Patrick's Day hat along an empty Michigan Avenue on March 17, 2020 in Chicago's Loop.
An abandoned St. Patrick’s Day hat along an empty Michigan Avenue on March 17, 2020 in Chicago’s Loop.
A bicyclist gestures while riding on a traffic-free West Randolph Street, March 17, 2020, in Chicago. Concerns over the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, has kept the Loop unusually quiet and traffic-free.
A bicyclist gestures while riding on a traffic-free West Randolph Street, March 17, 2020, in Chicago. Concerns over the spread of COVID-19, or coronavirus, has kept the Loop unusually quiet and traffic-free.
An empty stairwell to the State/Lake CTA “L” station during the evening rush hour on March 17, 2020.
An empty State Street and the Chicago Theater marquee during the 5 p.m. evening rush hour on March 17, 2020.
An empty State Street and the Chicago Theater marquee during the 5 p.m. evening rush hour on March 17, 2020.
A quiet Daley Plaza in midafternoon March 16, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.
A quiet Daley Plaza in midafternoon March 16, 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic.
Light morning rush traffic in the CTA Red Line Harrison station at 8:15 a.m. March 16, 2020.
Light morning rush traffic in the CTA Red Line Harrison station at 8:15 a.m. March 16, 2020.
A bicyclist, playing with bagpipe music, rides his bike by the Chicago River after the city's St. Patrick's Day events on March 14, 2020, were cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.
A bicyclist, playing with bagpipe music, rides his bike by the Chicago River after the city’s St. Patrick’s Day events on March 14, 2020, were cancelled due to coronavirus concerns.
A view of Adams Street looking west, as Chicago's Loop looks empty on March 17, 2020.
A view of Adams Street looking west, as Chicago’s Loop looks empty on March 17, 2020.
The empty Crown Fountain, where tourists and residents would normally visit on a sunny spring day.
The empty Crown Fountain, where tourists and residents would normally visit on a sunny spring day.
Looking east from Wabash Avenue towards the closed Art Institute on March 17, 2020, Chicago's downtown looks emptier than ever.
Looking east from Wabash Avenue towards the closed Art Institute on March 17, 2020, Chicago’s downtown looks emptier than ever.
A shopper looks at almost empty shelves for frozen pizzas at a Jewel-Osco store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on March 16, 2020, in Chicago. Concerns about COVID-19, or coronavirus, has led to high-volume purchases of certain food items, resulting in a shortage at area grocery stores.
A shopper looks at almost empty shelves for frozen pizzas at a Jewel-Osco store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on March 16, 2020, in Chicago. Concerns about COVID-19, or coronavirus, has led to high-volume purchases of certain food items, resulting in a shortage at area grocery stores.
A generic greeting is posted on the marquee of the Chicago Theatre, where concerts are postponed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A generic greeting is posted on the marquee of the Chicago Theatre, where concerts are postponed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Only a few people walk through Block 37 amid coronavirus concerns, March 16, 2020, in Chicago.
Only a few people walk through Block 37 amid coronavirus concerns, March 16, 2020, in Chicago.
A quiet morning on State Street in the Loop on Monday, March 16, 2020 amid coronavirus concerns. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
A quiet morning on State Street in the Loop on Monday, March 16, 2020 amid coronavirus concerns. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Light pedestrian traffic on Milwaukee Avenue in the Wicker Park neighborhood at 4:59 p.m. March 16, 2020, as quarantines and work from home policies are enacted to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Light pedestrian traffic on Milwaukee Avenue in the Wicker Park neighborhood at 4:59 p.m. March 16, 2020, as quarantines and work from home policies are enacted to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The last customers visit Time Out Market in the West Loop on March 15, 2020, as the market announced plans to close “indefinitely.” Soon after, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced all bars and restaurants would be closed to dine-in customers.
Passengers wait in a quiet check-in area for international flights March 15, 2020, at Terminal 5 of O'Hare International Airport amid coronavirus concerns.
Passengers wait in a quiet check-in area for international flights March 15, 2020, at Terminal 5 of O’Hare International Airport amid coronavirus concerns.
Metra Electric train 739 is largely empty as it departs Millennium Station at 5:40 p.m. during the evening rush on March 16, 2020.
Metra Electric train 739 is largely empty as it departs Millennium Station at 5:40 p.m. during the evening rush on March 16, 2020.
Light pedestrian traffic is seen March 13, 2020, in Federal Plaza as businesses begin to enact work from home policies to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Light pedestrian traffic is seen March 13, 2020, in Federal Plaza as businesses begin to enact work from home policies to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Light pedestrian traffic is seen March 13, 2020, at 19 W. Madison St. as businesses begin to enact work from home policies to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Light pedestrian traffic is seen March 13, 2020, at 19 W. Madison St. as businesses begin to enact work from home policies to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Traffic is unusually light on Adams Street looking east from Clark Street on March 16, 2020, as the city grapples with containing the COVID-19 virus.
Traffic is unusually light on Adams Street looking east from Clark Street on March 16, 2020, as the city grapples with containing the COVID-19 virus.
Shelves for frozen pizzas are mostly empty at a Jewel-Osco store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on March 16, 2020, in Chicago.
Shelves for frozen pizzas are mostly empty at a Jewel-Osco store in the Lincoln Park neighborhood on March 16, 2020, in Chicago.
Light morning commute traffic in the CTA Red Line Harrison station, 8:15 a.m. March 16, 2020.
Light morning commute traffic in the CTA Red Line Harrison station, 8:15 a.m. March 16, 2020.
A man walks past the empty square at the Louvre Pyramid in Paris on March 17, 2020, while a strict lockdown comes into in effect in France to stop the spread of COVID-19.
A man walks past the empty square at the Louvre Pyramid in Paris on March 17, 2020, while a strict lockdown comes into in effect in France to stop the spread of COVID-19.
Sun beds lie empty at La Caleta beach near the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel in La Caleta, in the Canary island of Tenerife, Spain, on Feb. 27, 2020. Efforts to halt the spread of the coronavirus have caused a drop in tourism and other commerce around the world.
Sun beds lie empty at La Caleta beach near the H10 Costa Adeje Palace hotel in La Caleta, in the Canary island of Tenerife, Spain, on Feb. 27, 2020. Efforts to halt the spread of the coronavirus have caused a drop in tourism and other commerce around the world.
Zef Talahun jumps rope on the plaza in front of the Lincoln Memorial, normally filled with tourists but now nearly empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 17, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
Zef Talahun jumps rope on the plaza in front of the Lincoln Memorial, normally filled with tourists but now nearly empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on March 17, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
Murals adorn the walls of an empty subway station in Milan on Feb. 28, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak in northern Italy, the bustling metropolis of Milan has resembled more of a ghost town, as workers stayed home and tourism has dwindled there, and other parts of Italy.
Murals adorn the walls of an empty subway station in Milan on Feb. 28, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak in northern Italy, the bustling metropolis of Milan has resembled more of a ghost town, as workers stayed home and tourism has dwindled there, and other parts of Italy.
The square in front of the famous Hofbräuhaus on March 17, 2020, in Munich, is nearly empty as German authorities tighten measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
The square in front of the famous Hofbräuhaus on March 17, 2020, in Munich, is nearly empty as German authorities tighten measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
Tomoyuki Sugano of the Yomiuri Giants pitches in front of empty stands at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during a preseason baseball game between the Yomiuri Giants and the Yakult Swallows on Feb. 29, 2020.
Tomoyuki Sugano of the Yomiuri Giants pitches in front of empty stands at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo during a preseason baseball game between the Yomiuri Giants and the Yakult Swallows on Feb. 29, 2020.

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