As the COVID-19 pandemic permeated the globe, words like social-distancing and self-isolation created a new reality.

As residents heed the message from health authorities to stay indoors, the region's shopping centres have become barren, the city's parks and beaches bare. Thousands have been left jobless as businesses were forced to close.

Port Kembla became a refuge for stranded cruise ships and makeshift signs were erected across the region telling outsiders to stay off local beaches.

These photos, captured by Illawarra Mercury photographer Adam McLean over the last three weeks, document how life in the Illawarra has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions were introduced.

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