It is now more than three weeks since Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the nation to 'stay at home' in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Despite repeated reports of individuals flouting the lockdown rules, the government's health advisers have suggested public compliance has been 'very high'.
That appeared to be true in Manchester city centre today as our photographers captured images of desolate streets.
On another beautiful spring day, there was little sign of anyone out enjoying the sunshine.
From Castlefield to Market Street, from Exchange Square to Oxford Road, there was an eerie silence punctured only by the occasional birdsong or Metrolink announcement.
Street cleaners continue to sweep the pavements though there is little foot traffic.
Pubs, bars, most shops and restaurants remain closed, often boarded up to deter vandals or burglars.
A common tag can be spotted on some: "Closed for now, no cash, booze or bog roll"
In Piccadilly Gardens, the pigeons have the grass all to themselves and appear to have multiplied.
While authorities will be happy that the vast majority of people in Greater Manchester are complying with the restrictions, they will fear the long-term economic impact.
Last night, Chancellor Rishi Sunak warned of 'more tough times to come' amid predictions the economy could plunge by more than a third in the second quarter of the year - with unemployment forecast to hit 3.4 million.
The Chancellor said the Government 'will not be able to protect every UK business and every household' during the coronavirus pandemic and that there will be 'hardships ahead'.
Meanwhile, there is no sign of the restrictions being lifted in the near future.
At the daily Downing Street press conference tonight, Health Secretary Hancock said: "This shared sacrifice is starting to work ...but we will not lift these measures until it is safe to do so."
The Government will announce its official decision on Thursday.
