Madrid's streets remain empty under virus lockdown

Spain's death toll from the coronavirus pandemic passed 20,000 on Saturday as the capital Madrid took on the air of a ghost town, its streets and squares almost deserted.

Almost five weeks into lockdown, aerial video of the city showed an empty Plaza Mayor, devoid even of pigeons who had no crumbs left to eat.

No people were seen walking in Puerta del Sol and only a handful of vehicles drove by the major squares and roundabouts of the city.

The lush and green Retiro park was entirely left to the ducks and geese that live in its lake.

Spain has the third-highest virus death toll in the world, after the United States and Italy.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.

(Image Credit: AP)