York was eerily quiet as day one of the lockdown took hold.
The city centre was very subdued but not empty this morning. Most shops are now shut except for those on the government’s essentials list, including food shops.
The new restrictions on Shambles Market meant that only food stalls were open.
Most pharmacies are operating a one-in, one-out policy.
The city walls are shut to enforce the social isolating policy.
And the Museum Gardens are also closed. A notice on the gates said: “The recent fine weather has seen large numbers of people using the space, putting social distancing measures at risk.”
These pictures, taken between 9am and 10am this morning (Tuesday, 24 March) by our photographer following the social isolating rules, tell the story.
Gallery
Monkgate The junction of Wigginton Road and Haxby Road Exhibition Square and York Art Gallery
A sign of the times Shambles without tourists Low Petergate King’s Square Goodramgate College Street Gillygate York Theatre Royal 
A heartening message York Explore Library and Archives Closed: the City Walls Closed: Museum Gardens Monk Bar Monkgate Bootham Bar Lendal Bridge The river and the Guildhall The River Ouse with a train on Scarborough Bridge 
Few stalls are operating on Shambles Market Almost empty But the food stalls can open Lord Mayor’s Walk at the Monk Bar junction
