Sun, sea, sand and space as coronavirus empties Asia's beaches

The deserted empty Kata beach which usually is crowded with tourists is pictured during the first day of the lockdown imposed by Phuket governor amid concerns about the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), on Phuket island, Thailand, March 31, 2020. REUTERS/Sooppharoek Teepapan

BALI, Indonesia (Reuters) - Just weeks ago, some visitors were complaining that Bali's famous sand and surf spot of Kuta Beach was way too busy.

Now it is deserted, with access banned as part of measures to curb the spread of the new coronavirus, which has killed nearly 100,000 people around the world and infected more than 1.5 million.