THESE are frightening times, demanding desperate measures to stop the spread of a virus that has so far killed more than 34,000 people worldwide.

With global cases of the coronavirus topping 720,000, countries are taking huge steps in a bid to stop it infecting more people.

Social distancing and 'lockdowns' are commonplace in cities and towns around the world, including here in Somerset.

Streets usually busy with shoppers, workers and vehicles now buzz only with an eery silence, the streets largely empty.

Our photographer, Steve Richardson, has been out to capture the change in our county...

TAUNTON

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ILMINSTER

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BRIDGWATER

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BURNHAM-ON-SEA

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HIGHBRIDGE

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