The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put the world into a state of panic and paralysis since its invasion began earlier this year.
Every day, the numbers of infections and fatalities rise as the world’s forces race to put an end to the disaster.
Because people need to be constantly reminded that hope is never lost and that the battle is everyone’s to fight, the following countries have been lighting up their landmarks and monuments with flags, colors, and statements of solidarity, encouragement, and optimism.
#1 Our Lady of Lebanon, Lebanon
Standing over Jounieh Bay, the statue of the Virgin Mary is one of the most famous landmarks in Lebanon.
Our Lady of Lebanon, which is located in the village of Harissa, Mount Lebanon, was recently lit up with the Lebanese flag to inspire hope and solidarity against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
#2 Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, one of the most famous landmarks around the world, was recently illuminated with 150 flags of the countries that have been affected by coronavirus.
Also, the hashtag #praytogether was projected on the 38m-tall statue in numerous languages as a sign of unity in the face of the common threat.
#3 Niagara Falls, Canada
The “Niagara Heart of Hope,” as the Canadian tourism officials are calling it, was displayed on several hotels and casinos on Canada’s side of the world-famous Niagara Falls.
The heart is formed at night when the lights of all rooms but a select few are turned off. The ones that are left illuminated, together, form a heart shape through the windows at one side of the buildings.
#4 Piazza Maggiore, Italy
Piazza Maggiore is the ancient-modern central square of Bologna, Italy. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, as the people of the country are in quarantine, the famous square is displaying the colors of the Italian flag.
Italy has been one of the countries most devastated by the outbreak, with over 105,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 coronavirus-related deaths so far.
#5 Empire State Building, USA
The United States is another nation that has been suffering greatly from the coronavirus pandemic.
New York City, which currently represents the epicenter of the outbreak in the US, is illuminating its Empire State Building with a pulsating red light every night, as a symbol of the heartbeat of America.
#6 ADNOC Building, UAE
In nine different languages, “Stay Safe, Stay Calm, Stay Home” message is being projected onto the national headquarters of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the UAE, in solidarity against the coronavirus outbreak.
#7 The Matterhorn, Switzerland
While other countries are illuminating buildings, Switzerland lit a whole mountain to show solidarity facing coronavirus.
To send a message of hope, solidarity, and support, Swiss authorities have projected some of the latter words and others, in addition to a red heart, onto the summit of one of their country’s most distinguished landmarks; the Matterhorn mountain.
#8 The Eiffel Tower, France
The famous tower that needs no introduction has been illuminated by French authorities to say Merci to the health workers fighting the pandemic and to express solidarity as Paris and other French cities go through a lockdown.
Phrases urging citizens to stay at home are also being displayed every night on the Eiffel Tower in addition to Thank you and Merci.
#9 The Great Pyramid of Giza, Egypt
“Stay Home. Stay Safe. Thank You to Those Keeping Us Safe.” Those phrases and others have been projected onto the oldest Wonder of the World that is the Great Pyramid of Giza.
In addition to the latter, the world map recently illuminated the giant pyramid as a show of solidarity during the pandemic.
#10 Belfast City Hall, Northern Ireland
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast, illuminated its city hall with the blue color of the UK’s National Health Service.
At night, locals paid tribute to the staff of the NHS for their efforts in fighting the outbreak, using a long round of applause.
#11 The London Eye, England
The same shade of blue that lit the Belfast City Hall also illuminated London’s giant Ferris wheel, the London Eye, to show support and solidarity.
#12 The Shard and Tower Bridge, England
The UK’s healthcare workers were honored by British authorities, who projected the blue color of the NHS on the capital’s iconic Shard and Tower Bridge.
#13 National Museum of Beirut, Lebanon
In a show of solidarity with the Lebanese people, who are currently living through a coronavirus-induced lockdown, the Ministry of Culture recently illuminated Beirut’s National Museum with the red, white, and green of the Lebanese flag.
We have a dedicated coronavirus section where you can find the latest news/updates about the pandemic in Lebanon, inform yourself with WHO-verified resources, and track the number of cases in Lebanon in real-time. Click here.