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The Year In Pictures

How coronavirus changed everything in 2020.  

Cemetery workers carry the coffin of a person who died from the coronavirus at the Nueva Esperanza cemetery in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. (Photographer: Angela Ponce/Bloomberg)
Cemetery workers carry the coffin of a person who died from the coronavirus at the Nueva Esperanza cemetery in Lima, Peru, on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. (Photographer: Angela Ponce/Bloomberg)

(Bloomberg) -- Some years in history are etched into the collective psyche of a nation or continent. Few resonate globally, irrespective of location, politics or economic circumstance.

From the loss of lives—more than 1.6 million and counting—to the loss of livelihoods, most of us will look back on 2020 through the prism of a pandemic whose devastation is still unfolding.

Most people had never heard the words “coronavirus” and “Covid-19” at the start of the year. Now they’re part of the daily vernacular of everyone from the youngest schoolchild to the most vulnerable pensioner.

The pandemic has upended how and where we work, travel, learn, worship and socialize. It’s fostered community spirit, but it’s also engendered resentment, blame and conspiracy theories as it strained health systems and closed national borders.

In the U.S., this was also a year when existing fault lines were further exposed, most notably those of race and inequality addressed by the Black Lives Matter movement. Images of empty streets, highways and airports were at times displaced by scenes of protest. The mask of unity in a world confronted by deadly infection slipped off, and tensions surfaced again and again.

The Front Line

The onslaught of the pandemic shined a spotlight on the people we rely on most, even if we never realized it. Doctors in overwhelmed emergency rooms tried to fathom the new disease, while cleaners in protective gear endeavored to halt its spread. Some of the most enduring images of the year captured the sheer urgency of the crisis and the often harrowing cost to life.

A paramedic shuts the doors of an ambulance in Barcelona on April 17. More than 47,000 people have died from the virus in Spain. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg
A paramedic shuts the doors of an ambulance in Barcelona on April 17. More than 47,000 people have died from the virus in Spain. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg
A medical worker on patrol with police in Milan checks a person’s temperature on April 11. Photographer: Gianmarco Maraviglia/Bloomberg
A medical worker on patrol with police in Milan checks a person’s temperature on April 11. Photographer: Gianmarco Maraviglia/Bloomberg
At the United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, medical staff check on a patient in intensive care on Nov. 8. Photographer: Go Nakamura/Bloomberg
At the United Memorial Medical Center in Houston, medical staff check on a patient in intensive care on Nov. 8. Photographer: Go Nakamura/Bloomberg
Workers disinfect the central nave of the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, Colombia, on April 8, during a nationwide lockdown. Photographer: Ivan Valencia/Bloomberg
Workers disinfect the central nave of the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, Colombia, on April 8, during a nationwide lockdown. Photographer: Ivan Valencia/Bloomberg
In West Java, Indonesia, a maintenance worker uses ultraviolet light to sanitize a classroom on July 24. Photographer: Dimas Ardian/Bloomberg  
In West Java, Indonesia, a maintenance worker uses ultraviolet light to sanitize a classroom on July 24. Photographer: Dimas Ardian/Bloomberg  
 Election officials sanitize voting booths ahead of the U.S. presidential election in Durham, North Carolina, on Oct. 15. Photographer: Rachel Jessen/Bloomberg  
Election officials sanitize voting booths ahead of the U.S. presidential election in Durham, North Carolina, on Oct. 15. Photographer: Rachel Jessen/Bloomberg  
Serbian military personnel set up beds for Covid-19 patients at an exhibition center in Belgrade on March 24. Photographer: Oliver Bunic/Bloomberg
Serbian military personnel set up beds for Covid-19 patients at an exhibition center in Belgrade on March 24. Photographer: Oliver Bunic/Bloomberg
 Civil defense workers prepare a makeshift ward at a quarantine center in New Delhi’s OraBella Banquet Hall on June 16. Photographer. T. Narayan/Bloomberg 
Civil defense workers prepare a makeshift ward at a quarantine center in New Delhi’s OraBella Banquet Hall on June 16. Photographer. T. Narayan/Bloomberg 
A scientist enters a decontamination chamber at a coronavirus research laboratory in Pecs, Hungary, on April 27. Photographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
A scientist enters a decontamination chamber at a coronavirus research laboratory in Pecs, Hungary, on April 27. Photographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
 City workers in protective gear drive through Caracas on March 26. Venezuela is also facing a growing food insecurity crisis. Photographer: Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg
City workers in protective gear drive through Caracas on March 26. Venezuela is also facing a growing food insecurity crisis. Photographer: Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg
A health worker in full protective equipment conducts a yoga class for patients in a women’s ward of a Covid-19 center in New Delhi on July 30. Photographer. T. Narayan/Bloomberg
A health worker in full protective equipment conducts a yoga class for patients in a women’s ward of a Covid-19 center in New Delhi on July 30. Photographer. T. Narayan/Bloomberg
A family walks past a tribute to healthcare workers at Jiefang Park in Wuhan, China, on Aug. 9. Covid-19 first appeared in Wuhan late last year. Photographer: Yan Cong/Bloomberg
A family walks past a tribute to healthcare workers at Jiefang Park in Wuhan, China, on Aug. 9. Covid-19 first appeared in Wuhan late last year. Photographer: Yan Cong/Bloomberg
A passenger arriving from Italy in Debrecen, Hungary, gets a temperature check on Feb. 24.  Photographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
A passenger arriving from Italy in Debrecen, Hungary, gets a temperature check on Feb. 24.  Photographer: Akos Stiller/Bloomberg
Motor homes provide temporary accommodations for medical staff in Blackburn, England, on May 14. Photographer: Hannah McKay/Reuters/Bloomberg 
Motor homes provide temporary accommodations for medical staff in Blackburn, England, on May 14. Photographer: Hannah McKay/Reuters/Bloomberg 
Health workers record residents’ details during a Covid-19 testing drive in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 26. Global health groups are warning of delayed vaccine access in developing nations. Photographer: Patrick Meinhardt/Bloomberg
Health workers record residents’ details during a Covid-19 testing drive in Nairobi, Kenya, on May 26. Global health groups are warning of delayed vaccine access in developing nations. Photographer: Patrick Meinhardt/Bloomberg
A woman mourns at the Vila Formosa cemetery in São Paulo on April 29. Photographer: Jonne Roriz/Bloomberg
A woman mourns at the Vila Formosa cemetery in São Paulo on April 29. Photographer: Jonne Roriz/Bloomberg
Civil protection members and police transport a coffin from a repurposed warehouse to a crematorium near Bergamo, Italy, on April 4. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Blooomberg
Civil protection members and police transport a coffin from a repurposed warehouse to a crematorium near Bergamo, Italy, on April 4. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Blooomberg
A worker pours bleach on the grave of a Covid-19 victim at the El Angel cemetery in Lima, Peru, on June 3. Photographer: Miguel Yovera/Bloomberg
A worker pours bleach on the grave of a Covid-19 victim at the El Angel cemetery in Lima, Peru, on June 3. Photographer: Miguel Yovera/Bloomberg
A medic briefly rests in the Ambroise Paré Clinic ICU in Paris on April 15. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
A medic briefly rests in the Ambroise Paré Clinic ICU in Paris on April 15. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
A chaplain helps a patient communicate with his family over Zoom at a hospital in Blackburn, England, on May 14. In December, the U.K. became the first western nation to authorize Covid-19 vaccinations. Photographer: Hannah McKay/Reuters/Bloomberg
A chaplain helps a patient communicate with his family over Zoom at a hospital in Blackburn, England, on May 14. In December, the U.K. became the first western nation to authorize Covid-19 vaccinations. Photographer: Hannah McKay/Reuters/Bloomberg

The Politics

The year 2020 was always going to be a seismic one for politics, culminating in the U.S. verdict on President Donald Trump’s presidency. The virus added a layer of complexity and drama, with some leaders more willing than others to make the economic sacrifices to tackle it. President Vladimir Putin tightened his grip on Russia, and President Xi Jinping cemented China’s role in the global balance of power. Brexit Britain, meanwhile, strode toward a new era with challenges even the doomsayers couldn’t have predicted.

U.S. President Donald Trump, while still infected with Covid-19, removes his face mask on Oct. 5, after being discharged from the hospital. Photographer: Ken Cedeno/Polaris/Bloomberg 
U.S. President Donald Trump, while still infected with Covid-19, removes his face mask on Oct. 5, after being discharged from the hospital. Photographer: Ken Cedeno/Polaris/Bloomberg 
French President Emmanuel Macron keeps a friendly distance from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London on June 18. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
French President Emmanuel Macron keeps a friendly distance from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in London on June 18. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg
Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert, looks on as President Donald Trump exits a news conference in Washington on March 26. Photographer: Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/Bloomberg  
Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious-disease expert, looks on as President Donald Trump exits a news conference in Washington on March 26. Photographer: Yuri Gripas/Abaca Press/Bloomberg  
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham adjusts his mask at a hearing in Washington on Nov. 18.  Photographer: Hannah McKay/Reuters/Bloomberg  
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham adjusts his mask at a hearing in Washington on Nov. 18. Photographer: Hannah McKay/Reuters/Bloomberg  
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern applies hand sanitizer before a news conference in Wellington on April 20. She won global praise for her handling of the crisis. Photographer: Mark Mitchell/NZME/Bloomberg  
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern applies hand sanitizer before a news conference in Wellington on April 20. She won global praise for her handling of the crisis. Photographer: Mark Mitchell/NZME/Bloomberg  
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who later became infected with Covid-19, takes a selfie with supporters during a demonstration in Brasilia on March 15. Photographer: Andre Coelho/Bloomberg 
Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro, who later became infected with Covid-19, takes a selfie with supporters during a demonstration in Brasilia on March 15. Photographer: Andre Coelho/Bloomberg 
Copies of the <em>Apple Daily</em> newspaper are printed on July 1 in Hong Kong as China asserted its power with a new law restricting civil liberties. Photographer: Lam Yik/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Copies of the Apple Daily newspaper are printed on July 1 in Hong Kong as China asserted its power with a new law restricting civil liberties. Photographer: Lam Yik/Bloomberg  
Customers at a tea house in Istanbul watch a live broadcast of a Trump news conference on Nov. 4. Photographer: Nicole Tung/Bloomberg
Customers at a tea house in Istanbul watch a live broadcast of a Trump news conference on Nov. 4. Photographer: Nicole Tung/Bloomberg
A sanitizing crew cleans desks at the European Parliament in Brussels on July 8. Photographer: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A sanitizing crew cleans desks at the European Parliament in Brussels on July 8. Photographer: Geert Vanden Wijngaert/Bloomberg  
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam unveils travel restrictions and border checks at a news conference on Jan. 28. Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam unveils travel restrictions and border checks at a news conference on Jan. 28. Photographer: Justin Chin/Bloomberg  
Jim Mullinax, U.S. consul general in Chengdu, speaks with a worker removing the consulate plate on July 26 after China ordered the building closed.Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Jim Mullinax, U.S. consul general in Chengdu, speaks with a worker removing the consulate plate on July 26 after China ordered the building closed.Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg  
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, facing protests after an election condemned by monitors as rigged, attends a rally of supporters in Minsk on Aug. 16. Photographer: Evgeny Maloletka/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, facing protests after an election condemned by monitors as rigged, attends a rally of supporters in Minsk on Aug. 16. Photographer: Evgeny Maloletka/Bloomberg  
Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris during the virtual Democratic National Convention in Wilmington, Delaware, on Aug. 20. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Joe Biden and running mate Kamala Harris during the virtual Democratic National Convention in Wilmington, Delaware, on Aug. 20. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg  
In Bergamo, Italy, Russian soldiers pack disinfection equipment at a nursing home on April 1. Italy received help from President Vladimir Putin as infections climbed in the spring. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg
In Bergamo, Italy, Russian soldiers pack disinfection equipment at a nursing home on April 1. Italy received help from President Vladimir Putin as infections climbed in the spring. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg
 In Philadelphia, a poll watcher uses binoculars to monitor the count in the U.S. presidential election that took place on Nov. 3. Photographer: Hannah Yoon/Bloomberg &nbsp;
In Philadelphia, a poll watcher uses binoculars to monitor the count in the U.S. presidential election that took place on Nov. 3. Photographer: Hannah Yoon/Bloomberg  
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi giving simultaneous interviews in Washington on Sept. 30. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg &nbsp;
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi giving simultaneous interviews in Washington on Sept. 30. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg  
Dominic Cummings quit on Nov. 13 as special adviser to U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. After departing, he  waits on a London street corner with his possessions in a box. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Dominic Cummings quit on Nov. 13 as special adviser to U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson. After departing, he waits on a London street corner with his possessions in a box. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg  

Economic Fallout

As the death toll mounted and governments urged people to remain in their homes, the financial consequences of Covid-19 became clear. Companies shuttered factories, travel was halted and jobs suddenly vanished. For many businesses—airlines, restaurants and retailers—it’s been a battle to survive. For others—delivery services and suppliers of plexiglass or hand sanitizer—it’s been a battle to meet demand.

Commercial planes are stored at a remote airstrip in Alice Springs, Australia, on Oct. 23. The coronavirus pandemic and the related collapse in demand has had a catastrophic effect on the airline industry. Photographer: David Gray/Bloomberg
Commercial planes are stored at a remote airstrip in Alice Springs, Australia, on Oct. 23. The coronavirus pandemic and the related collapse in demand has had a catastrophic effect on the airline industry. Photographer: David Gray/Bloomberg
Food delivery couriers wait in a mall in Bangkok on March 30. As Covid-19 lockdowns fell into place all over the world, home delivery of goods and services skyrocketed. Photographer: Andre Malerba/Bloomberg
Food delivery couriers wait in a mall in Bangkok on March 30. As Covid-19 lockdowns fell into place all over the world, home delivery of goods and services skyrocketed. Photographer: Andre Malerba/Bloomberg
A Gucci employee delivers a purchase to a waiting customer at a pickup location on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, on May 19. Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A Gucci employee delivers a purchase to a waiting customer at a pickup location on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, on May 19. Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg  
A nail salon worker giving a manicure in Atlanta on April 24. Personal care services have been especially hard hit by the pandemic. Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg
A nail salon worker giving a manicure in Atlanta on April 24. Personal care services have been especially hard hit by the pandemic. Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg
Drivers line up alongside fields of crops at a charity food pantry in Mankato, Minnesota, on July 23.  Photographer: Ben Brewer/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Drivers line up alongside fields of crops at a charity food pantry in Mankato, Minnesota, on July 23. Photographer: Ben Brewer/Bloomberg  
A lone diner in Venice’s Piazza San Marco on March 5. As the pandemic accelerated through the year, the hospitality and food industries suffered grievous financial losses. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A lone diner in Venice’s Piazza San Marco on March 5. As the pandemic accelerated through the year, the hospitality and food industries suffered grievous financial losses. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg  
Attendees at the Caravan Salon expo in Düsseldorf, Germany, inspect a luxury motor home on Sept. 8. Recreational vehicles saw a significant uptick in sales this year as people sought to get away while staying far from crowds. Photographer: Sarah Pabst/Bloomberg
Attendees at the Caravan Salon expo in Düsseldorf, Germany, inspect a luxury motor home on Sept. 8. Recreational vehicles saw a significant uptick in sales this year as people sought to get away while staying far from crowds. Photographer: Sarah Pabst/Bloomberg
 A worker builds a plexiglass guard in San Francisco on May 18. Employers hoping to get people back in the office have been preparing with divided workstations and other precautions to avoid coronavirus transmission. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A worker builds a plexiglass guard in San Francisco on May 18. Employers hoping to get people back in the office have been preparing with divided workstations and other precautions to avoid coronavirus transmission. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg  
Masks are made at a Dasheng Health Products Manufacturing Co. factory in Shanghai on Jan. 31. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Masks are made at a Dasheng Health Products Manufacturing Co. factory in Shanghai on Jan. 31. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg  
A man produces hand sanitizer at the Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healesville, Australia, on April 1. Many industries retooled to help with shortages of protective equipment and disinfectant. Photographer: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A man produces hand sanitizer at the Four Pillars Gin Distillery in Healesville, Australia, on April 1. Many industries retooled to help with shortages of protective equipment and disinfectant. Photographer: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg  
Ships are moored off the coast of Singapore on July 6. The pandemic slowed global trade while stranding seafarers caught up in port and border restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19. Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Ships are moored off the coast of Singapore on July 6. The pandemic slowed global trade while stranding seafarers caught up in port and border restrictions aimed at reducing the spread of Covid-19. Photographer: Wei Leng Tay/Bloomberg  
Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 12. Despite a selloff when shutdowns began, the subsequent U.S. recession and unprecedented unemployment didn’t stop Wall Street from hitting new records. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on March 12. Despite a selloff when shutdowns began, the subsequent U.S. recession and unprecedented unemployment didn’t stop Wall Street from hitting new records. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg  
Workers board up the windows of a Christian Dior store in San Francisco on March 17 after people were ordered to stay home. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Workers board up the windows of a Christian Dior store in San Francisco on March 17 after people were ordered to stay home. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg  
 Livestreamer Huang Wei, known professionally as Viya, does a special event in Wuhan, China, on April 30. By the time Europe and the U.S. were being overwhelmed with infections, China was starting to emerge from its Covid-19 shutdowns. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Livestreamer Huang Wei, known professionally as Viya, does a special event in Wuhan, China, on April 30. By the time Europe and the U.S. were being overwhelmed with infections, China was starting to emerge from its Covid-19 shutdowns. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg  
Unused truck trailers sit in an airfield near Budapest, Hungary, on April 8. Photographer: Akos Stiler/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Unused truck trailers sit in an airfield near Budapest, Hungary, on April 8. Photographer: Akos Stiler/Bloomberg  
A migrant worker shouts to her child from a bus on the outskirts of New Delhi on March 29, during India’s lockdown. Millions of laborers were forced to return to their hometowns and villages as jobs in the cities vanished. Photographer: Anindito Mukherjee/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A migrant worker shouts to her child from a bus on the outskirts of New Delhi on March 29, during India’s lockdown. Millions of laborers were forced to return to their hometowns and villages as jobs in the cities vanished. Photographer: Anindito Mukherjee/Bloomberg  
Vendors offload bananas at a market in Kampala, Uganda, on July 23. The African nation was quick to shut its economy with the emergence of the virus in the region. Photographer: Katumba Badru Sultan/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Vendors offload bananas at a market in Kampala, Uganda, on July 23. The African nation was quick to shut its economy with the emergence of the virus in the region. Photographer: Katumba Badru Sultan/Bloomberg  
The paper goods aisle was empty at a supermarket in Princeton, Illinois, on April 16. Americans hoarded toilet paper at the outset of the pandemic. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg &nbsp;
The paper goods aisle was empty at a supermarket in Princeton, Illinois, on April 16. Americans hoarded toilet paper at the outset of the pandemic. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg  
Drivers stand at a gas station in Caracas on May 26. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had said fuel prices would increase starting in June. Photographer: Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Drivers stand at a gas station in Caracas on May 26. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had said fuel prices would increase starting in June. Photographer: Carlos Becerra/Bloomberg  
A staff entrance is closed at the Ford Motor Co. factory in Cologne on March 24, after the automaker halted its German assembly operations. Photographer: Wolfram Schroll/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A staff entrance is closed at the Ford Motor Co. factory in Cologne on March 24, after the automaker halted its German assembly operations. Photographer: Wolfram Schroll/Bloomberg  
Homes under construction in San Diego on Aug. 31. Despite the recession and unprecedented unemployment, demand for new houses rose in the U.S. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Homes under construction in San Diego on Aug. 31. Despite the recession and unprecedented unemployment, demand for new houses rose in the U.S. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg  
A visitor rides the Flash at Ocean Park during the Hong Kong theme park’s stop-start reopening on Sept. 18. Photographer: Lam Yik/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A visitor rides the Flash at Ocean Park during the Hong Kong theme park’s stop-start reopening on Sept. 18. Photographer: Lam Yik/Bloomberg  

The Isolation

Economies may be more globally entwined than ever, but this year the people behind those economies were never more disconnected, at least physically. Indeed, the phrase “social distancing” may forever be associated with 2020. Offices were abandoned for kitchen tables. Daily interaction was reduced to a parcel delivery or a Zoom call. And spare a thought for the most vulnerable to Covid-19, the disabled and the elderly, who have been isolated at home or confined to care facilities, with relatives kept away.

The Carnival Corp. Grand Princess, anchored off of San Francisco on March 7. On the seas, leisure travel stopped while cruise workers and sailors were often stranded for months at a time. Photographer: Sam Hall/Bloomberg
The Carnival Corp. Grand Princess, anchored off of San Francisco on March 7. On the seas, leisure travel stopped while cruise workers and sailors were often stranded for months at a time. Photographer: Sam Hall/Bloomberg
A worker closes the door of a shop open only for deliveries in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 19. Photographer: Erica Canepa/Bloomberg
A worker closes the door of a shop open only for deliveries in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on June 19. Photographer: Erica Canepa/Bloomberg
A pedestrian walks through the almost empty Oculus transportation hub in New York City, next to the World Trade Center, on March 30. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg
A pedestrian walks through the almost empty Oculus transportation hub in New York City, next to the World Trade Center, on March 30. Photographer: Gabby Jones/Bloomberg
Elsewhere in New York, one car of a G-line subway train running between Queens and Brooklyn is empty on April 20. Photographer: Holly Pickett/Bloomberg
Elsewhere in New York, one car of a G-line subway train running between Queens and Brooklyn is empty on April 20. Photographer: Holly Pickett/Bloomberg
A lone driver is seen along the usually jammed 110 freeway in Los Angeles on April 20. Greenhouse gas emissions slowed noticeably as a result of lockdowns this year. Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
A lone driver is seen along the usually jammed 110 freeway in Los Angeles on April 20. Greenhouse gas emissions slowed noticeably as a result of lockdowns this year. Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg
Venice’s iconic gondolas sit idle on May 1. Photographer: Andrea Merola/Bloomberg
Venice’s iconic gondolas sit idle on May 1. Photographer: Andrea Merola/Bloomberg
All of the tables are empty at Copper Mountain in Frisco, Colorado, on March 19 after state officials ordered ski areas to close. Photographer: Michael Ciaglo/Bloomberg
All of the tables are empty at Copper Mountain in Frisco, Colorado, on March 19 after state officials ordered ski areas to close. Photographer: Michael Ciaglo/Bloomberg
A beach in Terracina, Italy, just south or Rome, is nearly empty on May 31. Tourism across Europe was decimated by the pandemic. Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A beach in Terracina, Italy, just south or Rome, is nearly empty on May 31. Tourism across Europe was decimated by the pandemic. Photographer: Alessia Pierdomenico/Bloomberg  
A pedestrian at La Defense’s Grande Arche in Paris on March 24. Photographer: Cyril Marcilhacy/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A pedestrian at La Defense’s Grande Arche in Paris on March 24. Photographer: Cyril Marcilhacy/Bloomberg  
On a multilane road in Beijing on May 22, a traffic conductor had little to do. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg &nbsp;
On a multilane road in Beijing on May 22, a traffic conductor had little to do. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg  
The Emporium Melbourne luxury shopping center on Nov. 25. Photographer: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg &nbsp;
The Emporium Melbourne luxury shopping center on Nov. 25. Photographer: Carla Gottgens/Bloomberg  
As financial-services companies sent employees to work from home, a lone office worker in London remained at his post on March 16. Photographer: Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg &nbsp;
As financial-services companies sent employees to work from home, a lone office worker in London remained at his post on March 16. Photographer: Luke MacGregor/Bloomberg  
Unable to gather in mosques, synagogues of churches, the religious searched for new ways to show their faith. A man sits alone at the First Baptist Church in West Memphis, Arkansas, on April 5.Photographer: Houston Cofield/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Unable to gather in mosques, synagogues of churches, the religious searched for new ways to show their faith. A man sits alone at the First Baptist Church in West Memphis, Arkansas, on April 5.Photographer: Houston Cofield/Bloomberg  
In-store shopping halted as consumers turned to the internet to satisfy material needs. A pedestrian passes an empty display window at a closed Louis Vuitton store in London on March 24. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg &nbsp;
In-store shopping halted as consumers turned to the internet to satisfy material needs. A pedestrian passes an empty display window at a closed Louis Vuitton store in London on March 24. Photographer: Simon Dawson/Bloomberg  
 A cyclist rides through the Churchgate area during a lockdown in Mumbai, India, on April 5. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A cyclist rides through the Churchgate area during a lockdown in Mumbai, India, on April 5. Photographer: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg  
Izakaya bars remained shuttered in the Shimbashi district of Tokyo on May 29. Photographer: Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Izakaya bars remained shuttered in the Shimbashi district of Tokyo on May 29. Photographer: Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg  
The bright lights of Las Vegas dimmed as the virus took hold. A few signs remain lit on April 15. Photographer: Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg &nbsp;
The bright lights of Las Vegas dimmed as the virus took hold. A few signs remain lit on April 15. Photographer: Bridget Bennett/Bloomberg  
A passenger emerges from the Universidad de Chile subway station prior to a quarantine order in Santiago on March 26. Photographer: Cristobal Olivares/Bloomberg
A passenger emerges from the Universidad de Chile subway station prior to a quarantine order in Santiago on March 26. Photographer: Cristobal Olivares/Bloomberg

Reshaped Lives

Humans have always shown their adaptability in the face of sudden adversity, and the speed of change in our daily lives was rapid in 2020. For most, how we eat out, worship and exercise looks very different now than it did at the beginning of the year. Just as schoolchildren and parents came to grips with remote learning, sports fans got used to watching their teams play in empty stadiums. And while the world suddenly faced an unseen danger, it has never been cleaner.

Bubble dining tents at a restaurant in New York City on Nov. 10. Restaurants scrambled to find ways to serve customers while avoiding Covid-19 transmission. Photographer: Gabriela Bhaskar/Bloomberg
Bubble dining tents at a restaurant in New York City on Nov. 10. Restaurants scrambled to find ways to serve customers while avoiding Covid-19 transmission. Photographer: Gabriela Bhaskar/Bloomberg
Customers sit behind plastic partitions at a flower market auction in Johannesburg on Aug. 25. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
Customers sit behind plastic partitions at a flower market auction in Johannesburg on Aug. 25. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
A drive-in movie theater set up in the parking lot of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Sept. 3. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A drive-in movie theater set up in the parking lot of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on Sept. 3. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg  
 In Inzai, Japan, drive-in moviegoers enjoyed a similar diversion on Aug. 22. Photographer: Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg
In Inzai, Japan, drive-in moviegoers enjoyed a similar diversion on Aug. 22. Photographer: Noriko Hayashi/Bloomberg
Gym members work out in social distancing pods at Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach, California, on June 19. Like personal care salons, gyms have been crushed by the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Gym members work out in social distancing pods at Inspire South Bay Fitness in Redondo Beach, California, on June 19. Like personal care salons, gyms have been crushed by the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg  
A priest livestreams a Holy Week mass at the empty San Antonio de Padua Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 9. Photographer: Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A priest livestreams a Holy Week mass at the empty San Antonio de Padua Church in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 9. Photographer: Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg  
Pastors attend a service being livestreamed from a church in Seoul on March 15. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Pastors attend a service being livestreamed from a church in Seoul on March 15. Photographer: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg  
Father Bruno Lefevre Pontalis went to the roof of Saint Francois Xavier church to bless Paris during lockdown on April 11. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Father Bruno Lefevre Pontalis went to the roof of Saint Francois Xavier church to bless Paris during lockdown on April 11. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg  
Students attend school in San Francisco on Oct. 5. Many systems combined in-person and remote learning as infection rates rose and fell. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Students attend school in San Francisco on Oct. 5. Many systems combined in-person and remote learning as infection rates rose and fell. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg  
A mother works from home as her son attends school remotely in Miami on Sept. 8. Photographer: Jayme Gershen/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A mother works from home as her son attends school remotely in Miami on Sept. 8. Photographer: Jayme Gershen/Bloomberg  
Teachers demonstrate a plexiglass reading corner at an elementary school in Tucson, Arizona, on Aug. 14. Photographer: Cheney Orr/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Teachers demonstrate a plexiglass reading corner at an elementary school in Tucson, Arizona, on Aug. 14. Photographer: Cheney Orr/Bloomberg  
An acting class at the University of Arizona in Tucson on Aug. 24. Photographer: Cheney Orr/Bloomberg &nbsp;
An acting class at the University of Arizona in Tucson on Aug. 24. Photographer: Cheney Orr/Bloomberg  
A commuter walks through a sanitization tunnel at the Rea-Vaya Thokoza Park bus station in Johannesburg on May 14. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A commuter walks through a sanitization tunnel at the Rea-Vaya Thokoza Park bus station in Johannesburg on May 14. Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg  
 Shoppers pass through disinfection cabins at the Evropeysky Shopping Center in Moscow on Aug. 11. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Shoppers pass through disinfection cabins at the Evropeysky Shopping Center in Moscow on Aug. 11. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg  
A worker transports a casket with a coronavirus victim in an underground parking garage in Barcelona on April 8. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A worker transports a casket with a coronavirus victim in an underground parking garage in Barcelona on April 8. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg  
Hideaki Wakui of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles throws a pitch during a preseason baseball game closed to spectators in Tokyo on March 15. Photographer: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Hideaki Wakui of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles throws a pitch during a preseason baseball game closed to spectators in Tokyo on March 15. Photographer: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg  
A family waits for their high-speed train at the Hongqiao railway station in Shanghai on Feb. 11. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A family waits for their high-speed train at the Hongqiao railway station in Shanghai on Feb. 11. Photographer: Qilai Shen/Bloomberg  
People sit in distancing circles at Domino Park in Brooklyn, New York, on May 15. Photographer: Nina Westervelt/Bloomberg &nbsp;
People sit in distancing circles at Domino Park in Brooklyn, New York, on May 15. Photographer: Nina Westervelt/Bloomberg  
Staffers wait ahead of an election night party for Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, on Nov. 3. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Staffers wait ahead of an election night party for Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, on Nov. 3. Photographer: Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg  
Visitors at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Toronto, Canada, on July 3. Photographer: Stephanie Foden/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Visitors at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit in Toronto, Canada, on July 3. Photographer: Stephanie Foden/Bloomberg  

The Unrest

As ever, there was resistance to change. Yet there were more demands for it. The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated political, economic and social inequality across the globe. If you were in Beirut or Hong Kong, the troubles of last year spilled over into this one. In the U.S., the decades-long struggle against police violence targeting minorities burst onto the streets, and the repercussions are still playing out.

A police officer draws his weapon during democracy protests in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on Feb. 29. Photographer: Roy Liu/Bloomberg
A police officer draws his weapon during democracy protests in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong on Feb. 29. Photographer: Roy Liu/Bloomberg
U.S. President Donald Trump was confronted by a national upheaval over American police killings of unarmed Black citizens. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrators rallied at an entrance gate to one of his campaign events on June 20. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg &nbsp;
U.S. President Donald Trump was confronted by a national upheaval over American police killings of unarmed Black citizens. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, demonstrators rallied at an entrance gate to one of his campaign events on June 20. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg  
In Hong Kong, demonstrators hold blank signs at a lunchtime democracy protest in a shopping mall on July 6. The China-controlled territory’s government declared illegal a key slogan chanted by hundreds of thousands of protestors. Photographer: Paul Yeung/Bloomberg &nbsp;
In Hong Kong, demonstrators hold blank signs at a lunchtime democracy protest in a shopping mall on July 6. The China-controlled territory’s government declared illegal a key slogan chanted by hundreds of thousands of protestors. Photographer: Paul Yeung/Bloomberg  
A Trump campaign rally at a warehouse in Henderson, Nevada, on Sept. 13 was held in defiance of state law barring large gatherings. More than 2,500 Nevada residents have died from Covid-19. Photographer: Roger Kisby/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A Trump campaign rally at a warehouse in Henderson, Nevada, on Sept. 13 was held in defiance of state law barring large gatherings. More than 2,500 Nevada residents have died from Covid-19. Photographer: Roger Kisby/Bloomberg  
In Belarus, hundreds of thousands of people joined rallies like this one in Minsk on Aug. 15 calling for President Alexander Lukashenko’s resignation. He responded to protests with mass arrests and brutal crackdowns. Photographer: Evgeny Maloletka/Bloomberg &nbsp;
In Belarus, hundreds of thousands of people joined rallies like this one in Minsk on Aug. 15 calling for President Alexander Lukashenko’s resignation. He responded to protests with mass arrests and brutal crackdowns. Photographer: Evgeny Maloletka/Bloomberg  
A doorman at Trump Tower watches volunteers paint a Black Lives Matter mural along Fifth Avenue in New York on July 9. Trump sent heavily armed agents to U.S. cities where they often beat, gassed and shot at protesters. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A doorman at Trump Tower watches volunteers paint a Black Lives Matter mural along Fifth Avenue in New York on July 9. Trump sent heavily armed agents to U.S. cities where they often beat, gassed and shot at protesters. Photographer: Michael Nagle/Bloomberg  
Fireworks explode near riot police during a protest in Beirut on Aug. 10. The Lebanese government resigned after a massive explosion of improperly stored ammonium nitrate in the city’s port rocked the capital, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Photographer: Hasan Shaaban/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Fireworks explode near riot police during a protest in Beirut on Aug. 10. The Lebanese government resigned after a massive explosion of improperly stored ammonium nitrate in the city’s port rocked the capital, killing hundreds and injuring thousands. Photographer: Hasan Shaaban/Bloomberg  
Armed anti-police violence demonstrators keep watch during a protest in Kentucky on Sept. 5. They gathered after Breonna Taylor, a Black emergency medical technician, was shot dead by White Louisville police as she slept in her home. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Armed anti-police violence demonstrators keep watch during a protest in Kentucky on Sept. 5. They gathered after Breonna Taylor, a Black emergency medical technician, was shot dead by White Louisville police as she slept in her home. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg  
Demonstrators clash with riot police during anti-government protests in Guatemala City’s Central Park on Nov. 28. Photographer: Daniele Volpe/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Demonstrators clash with riot police during anti-government protests in Guatemala City’s Central Park on Nov. 28. Photographer: Daniele Volpe/Bloomberg  
Police officers confront demonstrators in Puerto Rico during a protest against U.S. mainland tourists arriving from coronavirus hot zones on July 25. Photographer: Xavier Garcia/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Police officers confront demonstrators in Puerto Rico during a protest against U.S. mainland tourists arriving from coronavirus hot zones on July 25. Photographer: Xavier Garcia/Bloomberg  
An armed protester at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing on April 30. Far-right groups demonstrated against Covid-19 lockdowns throughout the year. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg &nbsp;
An armed protester at the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing on April 30. Far-right groups demonstrated against Covid-19 lockdowns throughout the year. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg  
A burned out auto dealership in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sept. 1, a week after a White police officer, Rusten Sheskey, shot Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, several times in the back, paralyzing him. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A burned out auto dealership in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sept. 1, a week after a White police officer, Rusten Sheskey, shot Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, several times in the back, paralyzing him. Photographer: Matthew Hatcher/Bloomberg  
During a post-election Trump rally in Atlanta on Nov. 21, Enrique Tarrio, leader of the far-right group Proud Boys, sets a face mask alight. Republican efforts to void Joe Biden’s victory failed in the courts. Photographer: Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg &nbsp;
During a post-election Trump rally in Atlanta on Nov. 21, Enrique Tarrio, leader of the far-right group Proud Boys, sets a face mask alight. Republican efforts to void Joe Biden’s victory failed in the courts. Photographer: Dustin Chambers/Bloomberg  
Demonstrators at the All Under One Banner march for Scottish independence in Glasgow on Jan. 11. Photographer: Emily Macinnes/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Demonstrators at the All Under One Banner march for Scottish independence in Glasgow on Jan. 11. Photographer: Emily Macinnes/Bloomberg  
The Accredited Social Health Activists group protests India’s healthcare system in Mumbai on Aug. 9. Photographer: T. Narayan/Bloomberg &nbsp;
The Accredited Social Health Activists group protests India’s healthcare system in Mumbai on Aug. 9. Photographer: T. Narayan/Bloomberg  
Protesters wave burning flares during a day of unrest over French pension reform plans in Paris on Jan. 9. Photographer: Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg
Protesters wave burning flares during a day of unrest over French pension reform plans in Paris on Jan. 9. Photographer: Anita Pouchard Serra/Bloomberg
Demonstrators set tires on fire on May 28 outside a Nissan Motor Co. plant slated for closure in Barcelona. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Demonstrators set tires on fire on May 28 outside a Nissan Motor Co. plant slated for closure in Barcelona. Photographer: Angel Garcia/Bloomberg  
Demonstrators in Tehran on Jan. 3 hold up an image of Qassem Soleimani. The Iranian commander, who directed proxy militias across the Middle East, was ordered assassinated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Photographer: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Demonstrators in Tehran on Jan. 3 hold up an image of Qassem Soleimani. The Iranian commander, who directed proxy militias across the Middle East, was ordered assassinated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Photographer: Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg  

Next Normal

Political and business leaders have talked all year about when we will return to normal. As vaccines start to roll off the production line, there’s hope it may be soon. But our next “normal” won’t necessarily be the old one. The pandemic hastened advances in online retail, industrial automation and self-service travel that were already under way. Banks don’t expect a rush back to cash and branches. And Covid-19 testing won’t immediately disappear with inoculation.

Visitors to the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing on Oct. 1. China has had a head start in recovering from the pandemic after its successful initial lockdown strategy. Photographer: Yan Cong/Bloomberg
Visitors to the Badaling section of the Great Wall in Beijing on Oct. 1. China has had a head start in recovering from the pandemic after its successful initial lockdown strategy. Photographer: Yan Cong/Bloomberg
A thermal camera registers customers’ temperatures at a supermarket in Duluth, Georgia, on March 26. Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A thermal camera registers customers’ temperatures at a supermarket in Duluth, Georgia, on March 26. Photographer: Elijah Nouvelage/Bloomberg  
A robotic arm lifts an order from a conveyor at a contactless KFC restaurant ahead of its official opening in Moscow on June 12. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A robotic arm lifts an order from a conveyor at a contactless KFC restaurant ahead of its official opening in Moscow on June 12. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg  
Italian officers launch a drone to monitor the lockdown in the city of Brescia on April 18. Photographer: Gianmarco Maraviglia/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Italian officers launch a drone to monitor the lockdown in the city of Brescia on April 18. Photographer: Gianmarco Maraviglia/Bloomberg  
A technician removes a vaccine bank from cryostorage during the production of the Medgamal coronavirus shot at the Gamaleya National Research Center in Moscow on Aug. 6. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A technician removes a vaccine bank from cryostorage during the production of the Medgamal coronavirus shot at the Gamaleya National Research Center in Moscow on Aug. 6. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg  
 National Health Service staff in Coventry, England, applaud Margaret Keenan, 90, as she becomes the first person in the U.K. to get the Covid-19 vaccine on Dec. 8. Photographer: Jacob King/PA Wire/Bloomberg &nbsp;
National Health Service staff in Coventry, England, applaud Margaret Keenan, 90, as she becomes the first person in the U.K. to get the Covid-19 vaccine on Dec. 8. Photographer: Jacob King/PA Wire/Bloomberg  
A medic scans a traveler’s smartphone ahead of a Covid-19 test at Athens International Airport in Greece on Sept. 17. Photographer: Yorgos Karahalis/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A medic scans a traveler’s smartphone ahead of a Covid-19 test at Athens International Airport in Greece on Sept. 17. Photographer: Yorgos Karahalis/Bloomberg  
Travelers watch a saliva sample information video at a coronavirus testing facility at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on May 14. Photographer: Laurel Chor/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Travelers watch a saliva sample information video at a coronavirus testing facility at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong on May 14. Photographer: Laurel Chor/Bloomberg  
A Brazilian government crisis management center in São Paulo on June 30. Telecom firms have provided the government with data to help monitor the population to stop the spread of the virus. Photographer: Jonne Roriz/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A Brazilian government crisis management center in São Paulo on June 30. Telecom firms have provided the government with data to help monitor the population to stop the spread of the virus. Photographer: Jonne Roriz/Bloomberg  
A demonstration of Briefcam’s video content analytics software at a Verizon 5G showroom and production studio in London on Feb. 12. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A demonstration of Briefcam’s video content analytics software at a Verizon 5G showroom and production studio in London on Feb. 12. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg  
A restaurant worker places an order in an autonomous delivery robot in Innopolis, Russia, on Dec. 1. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A restaurant worker places an order in an autonomous delivery robot in Innopolis, Russia, on Dec. 1. Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg  
A Saga Robotics Thorvald robot performs a UV light treatment on strawberries during trials organized in Kent, England, on June 29. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A Saga Robotics Thorvald robot performs a UV light treatment on strawberries during trials organized in Kent, England, on June 29. Photographer: Hollie Adams/Bloomberg  
Sample voting ballots pass through a 40-foot sorter at the Board of Elections in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 22. U.S. counties invested millions of dollars to cope with mail-in votes during the election. Photographer: Rachel Wisniewski/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Sample voting ballots pass through a 40-foot sorter at the Board of Elections in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 22. U.S. counties invested millions of dollars to cope with mail-in votes during the election. Photographer: Rachel Wisniewski/Bloomberg  
A woman in her home office in Bern, Switzerland, on Aug. 23. Employees surveyed during the pandemic said they want to incorporate work from home in their regular schedules after the pandemic. Photographer: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A woman in her home office in Bern, Switzerland, on Aug. 23. Employees surveyed during the pandemic said they want to incorporate work from home in their regular schedules after the pandemic. Photographer: Stefan Wermuth/Bloomberg  
Social distancing markers allocate space in an elevator at the Unicredit SpA headquarters in Milan on June 8. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Social distancing markers allocate space in an elevator at the Unicredit SpA headquarters in Milan on June 8. Photographer: Francesca Volpi/Bloomberg  
An instructor teaches a student through a plastic barrier at a school in Tokyo on Aug. 13. Photographer: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg &nbsp;
An instructor teaches a student through a plastic barrier at a school in Tokyo on Aug. 13. Photographer: Toru Hanai/Bloomberg  
A realtor uses a smartphone to produce a virtual video tour of a home for sale in Sacramento, California, on June 29. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg &nbsp;
A realtor uses a smartphone to produce a virtual video tour of a home for sale in Sacramento, California, on June 29. Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg  
More than eight months after the novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, the Chinese city was moving into a post-virus future. This is Donghu Lake on Aug. 8. Photographer: Yan Cong/Bloomberg &nbsp;
More than eight months after the novel coronavirus emerged in Wuhan, the Chinese city was moving into a post-virus future. This is Donghu Lake on Aug. 8. Photographer: Yan Cong/Bloomberg  
Two women at the Louxor cinema in Paris on June 22, the day it reopened. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg &nbsp;
Two women at the Louxor cinema in Paris on June 22, the day it reopened. Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg