HELSINKI

I spent the day photographing how the coronavirus outbreak appeared in everyday life in downtown Helsinki.

Notably, the streets appeared emptier, some random coughs raised heads while others sounded like pellets. People kept their distance more than usual following the rules of social isolation. The bus driver had no contact with the passenger.

Here are the highlights:

A passenger wearing a face mask making her best effort to get on the bus at the railway station on March 13, 2020. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
On Friday morning, the bus drivers stopped selling tickets to prevent unnecessary use of money and to reduce contacts between drivers and passengers. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
All covered. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Covered, focused and determined. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
The commemoration of the end of the Winter War at the Helsinki Cathedral was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. Citizens and state leadership were to take part in the event. Instead, 105 candles were lit (one for each day of the war) at the steps of the cathedral by pupils of various schools in Helsinki. Picture: Tony Öhberg: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Flags honored the commemoration day. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
Since Thursday, toilet paper has been running out in the corner stores of Helsinki center while people stock their reserves. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
The liquor store Alko at the Töölö Market Square began listing specific instructions on how to behave in the store. The instructions advise taking care of hand hygiene, coughing in the sleeve or in a handkerchief and keeping appropriate distance to the fellow customers and to the sales clerks. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today
The massive climate strike that expected thousands of participants was canceled after the government’s recommendations of calling off any public events of over 500 people. A few people still held fort. Picture: Tony Öhberg for Finland Today

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