WATCH THE VIDEO: Are empty highways like this on the way to the UK?

Video source: The Guardian

Amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns have become more and more common across various parts of the world.

In Europe, Italy has seen the highest number of cases to date, with an estimate of over 27,000 1 people confirmed to have the COVID-19 coronavirus.

The video above shows stretches of the highway network in Baranzate, Italy. Baranzate is a commune in the city of Milan, towards Italy’s north – a region that has seen lockdowns implemented in order to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The startling video shown in this article showcases the effects on the highway of a region-wide lockdown. Roads are eerily barren as the nation does all it can to battle the pandemic that seen an estimated 2,100 2 deaths across Italy.

Currently, the UK has a reported 1,543 total cases 3 of COVID-19 and as our nation joins the fight to stop the spread of the virus, the fine line between efficient action and unnecessary panic is being walked by many.

With the number of cases on our shores still significantly behind those in Italy, the UK currently isn’t seeing this type of lockdown imposed. However, the possibility is very real.

Could you imagine a deserted 8am ‘rush hour’ on the M25 without a car in sight? The M1 transformed from transport hub, to a vacant corridor running the length of the country? How about your regular post-work gridlock becoming a ghost town that you, yourself are not there to witness due to being told to stay indoors?

Let’s hope we continue to take the appropriate actions to keep ourselves and others safe. That we listen to the experts and their advice. That we do all we can to protect the most vulnerable. That we act as one community, and that by doing so, we avoid regional lockdowns and our transport networks becoming temporarily obsolete.