A Drone Captured Eerie But Inspiring Footage Of A Very Empty Ann Arbor During The Pandemic In Michigan

As a state, nation, and global community, the reality of the 2020 coronavirus outbreak has launched us into an unprecedented experience. Schools are closed, millions are working from home, and our typical activities have come to a screeching halt as we work together to prevent further spread of the illness. While most of us spend our days at home, the streets of our cities and towns sit empty. One such city is Ann Arbor, a beloved Michigan destination that typically bustles with activity year-round. Drone footage from MLive provides a fascinating glimpse of life in this university town during COVID-19.

Flickr/Michigan Municipal League

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Flickr/Michigan Municipal League

If you’ve ever spent time in Ann Arbor, you know that the city is always alive with activity. In fact, with a population of more than 120,000 full-time residents and tens of thousands of college students, there’s rarely a dull moment in Tree Town. On any given day, you might spot farmers markets, University of Michigan undergraduates studying in the Diag, street musicians performing, and families enjoying dinner at their favorite restaurants on South Main. As the photos above demonstrate, Ann Arbor is a place of learning, cultural expression, and togetherness for people of various backgrounds.

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In recent weeks, though, the city has joined communities throughout the world in facing the harsh realities of the coronavirus. The pandemic has sent University of Michigan students back to their respective hometowns, leaving campus eerily empty and silent. Restaurants and stores citywide have closed their doors temporarily, leaving once-bustling streets completely void of pedestrians. There’s a sense of uncertainty throughout the city that seems to exist in nearly every American community during these troubling times. The drone footage above offers a firsthand look at a new Ann Arbor: notice the near-empty University of Michigan campus, the quiet sidewalks, and the minimized traffic. Save for a few joggers or walkers, the city resembles a modern-day ghost town.

Flickr/Luis Tamayo

While these scenes are decidedly eerie and sad, particularly because they symbolize both human and economic loss, there’s a silver lining to be found: the empty streets of Ann Arbor and other cities mean that social distancing measures are being taken seriously and Michiganders are doing their individual part to help prevent the spread of the virus. Our streets might be empty, but we’re coming together collectively to keep our community safe as we muddle through this difficult time.

Stay safe and stay home whenever possible, Michiganders – and don’t forget to wash your hands! If you’re looking for a way to continue supporting local businesses during the pandemic, check out some Michigan restaurants that are still offering delivery and carry-out options throughout the state.