COVID-19: Monuments in NY, Giza light up to honour health workers

New York's Empire State Building and pyramids in Egypt were lit up as a mark of respect to the health workers fight aginst the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the virus has claimed over 35,000 lives across the globe.

New York/ Giza: New York's Empire State Building was lit up like an ambulance Monday night in honour of first responders and medical professionals on the front lines of the city's coronavirus outbreak.

The top of the iconic skyscraper was lit red, with revolving red and white lights circling the mast to resemble a siren.

The death toll in the state of New York climbed by more than 250 in a single day to a total of more than 1,200 victims on Monday, most of them in the city, according to authorities.

Similarly, Authorities in Egypt lit up the pyramids on Monday night in an expression of support for health workers battling the coronavirus outbreak.

'Stay home, Stay safe, Thank you to those keeping us safe', read the message emblazoned on the Great Pyramid of Giza.

The government has also extended the closure of the country's famed museums and archaeological sites, including the Pyramids and the Sphinx at Giza, until at least April 15.

Egypt has reported more than 600 infections and 40 deaths from the virus.

Egyptian government announced last Tuesday a two-week night curfew starting from 7 p.m. until 6 a.m. in the Arab world's most populous country.

Countries across the Middle East have imposed sweeping measures to prevent its spread, including closing their borders, cancelling flights and in some cases imposing round-the-clock curfews that confine people to their homes.