Photos: Here is why New York’s Times Square went dark amid coronavirus crisis

New York: Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) health crisis in the US, the famous Times Square in New York City (NYC) went dark on Wednesday (May 27). In New York alone, over 16,000 have lost their lives due to the coronavirus. To show support to the businesses and secure insurance coverage, lights were switched off exactly at 9 pm. Times Square went dark for one minute. In America, over 1 lakh deaths have been reported due to the virus. Check out the pictures of Times Square how it showed support for restaurants and other businesses during the coronavirus crisis.

<p>People gather before billboards go momentarily dark in Times Square in a show of support for restaurants, hospitality businesses and non-profits during the coronavirus crisis on May 27 in New York City.</p>

People gather before billboards go momentarily dark in Times Square in a show of support for restaurants, hospitality businesses and non-profits during the coronavirus crisis on May 27 in New York City.

<p>Some people take photos at Times Square.</p>

Some people take photos at Times Square.

<p>"This is to symbolically show that the insurers are turning the lights out on businesses," John Houghtaling, general counsel for the Business Interruption Group (BIG), told <em>CNN</em>.</p>

"This is to symbolically show that the insurers are turning the lights out on businesses," John Houghtaling, general counsel for the Business Interruption Group (BIG), told CNN.

<p>A video message calling on the federal government and insurance companies to support businesses plays on Billboards in Times Square on May 27.</p>

A video message calling on the federal government and insurance companies to support businesses plays on Billboards in Times Square on May 27.

<p>A person takes a photo as Times Square billboards go dark for one minute.</p>

A person takes a photo as Times Square billboards go dark for one minute.

<p>People wearing a facemasks ride their bikes through Times Square on May 27.</p>

People wearing a facemasks ride their bikes through Times Square on May 27.

<p>A car approaches on a nearly empty street near Times Square on May 27.</p>

A car approaches on a nearly empty street near Times Square on May 27.

<p>Members of the New York City Fire Department are seen at the Times Square on May 27.</p>

Members of the New York City Fire Department are seen at the Times Square on May 27.

<p>A view of billboards at Times Square.</p>

A view of billboards at Times Square.

<p>The scene at Times Square before lights went off on May 27.</p>

The scene at Times Square before lights went off on May 27.