Southern California amid the coronavirus pandemic
I wanted to avoid having to write this piece, but as a native Angeleno, it is almost my rightful duty to inform my community and the world of the matters that are occurring in the heart of Southern California— Los Angeles.
Worry and anxiety are at an all-time high. Wash your hands, clean your surroundings are priority (read How to Clean Your Home). Shelves have been emptied out at local supermarkets and the availability of rubbing alcohol is still zero.
Out of necessity, I had to take a drive into downtown Los Angeles this drizzly morning. While making my way westward toward the city of L.A., I documented where this city currently stands amidst the chaos of the virus. The virus that has struck the entire world — coronavirus.
Firstly, the freeway.
On a regular basis, Los Angeles traffic is a mood. Traffic congestion is one of the first things you will notice if you are ever in Los Angeles.
Therefore, as I drove down some of the most major interstates and highways in the county, it became apparent that change had come. Cars were sparse and in some cases, all lanes almost completely empty. For a Tuesday morning, this was very unusual.
Current city life
Melrose Ave.
Once I exited on Melrose Avenue, I looked and accessed the situation. Bicyclists sped off, cars zoomed through, public transportation still going strong and some people continued life as normal. Some, carrying groceries, others waiting to catch the bus. I even spotted a few, braving it out and doing their workouts out in the open concrete jungle.
Open since 2018, Wash & Dry Laundry continues to operate undeterred by the closures. 
Throughout Los Angeles, people go about their business despite the mayhem. 
A commuter zooms through Melrose Avenue in full gear. 
Poster art on the walls of a city in isolation.
Businesses not so busy
Most retail stores have closed and the streets are mostly bare resembling ghost towns in some areas. The movie theaters stopped operating a while ago. You were probably pretty pumped for “Mulan” (I was too), but appropriately, Disney Studios has postponed it until further notice.
Bare necessities
In places involving food, a set of guidelines have been put forth by the United States to prevent further exposure. People are not allowed to linger, lounge or eat inside eateries.
Right off of Fairfax in Los Angeles, I noticed two people donning black aprons and carrying white plastic take-out bags. They constantly rushed in and out of Canter’s Deli providing people with food on the go.
Supermarkets remain open, but with different hours put in place. Expect long lines upon entry and lengthy checkout times.
People flock to stores and line up. Despite the lengthy queue, stores like Costco organize to mitigate the problem. 
Stores put into place buying limitations in response to people stockpiling essential items.
In addition, fast-food restaurants are still taking orders; established diners and delis are still open for business; and a number of small cafes are also decisively remaining open.
Although many businesses have closed, many continue to work. Shout out to all the people keeping the country afloat: truck drivers, bus drivers, health workers, grocers and couriers.
Life continues. People keep living their lives. What is currently happening is stressful and worrisome. Sure, you can panic (please don’t), but it’s better to be prepared instead.
Don’t panic. Simply be prepared.
Buy hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies (please make sure to read the labels to use sprays, wipes and detergents properly). Spend on nutritious food, continue being courteous to others and stay informed. It is the perfect time to call a family member or friend. Okay, fine. Buy some toilet paper and do some cleaning ( read my post on Spring Cleaning). Take the time to sing, do some dancing, and say “hello” to me here.
In the meantime, I’ll be working out a lot indoors, reading and of course, providing you with as much helpful, feel-good content.
Stay healthy!
For up-to-date health information visit the CDC website.
LA has a lot of history, and this will definitely be a part of it.
Yes, it is rather unreal what is happening here and around the world. It is a time to reflect and show gratitude. Stay well and take care. ^_^
It’s interesting to acknowledge how things are going there… (I’m living in Europe) I just hope it’ll be over soon, we’re not free anymore
Yes, I agree with you. Please continue to stay safe and healthy during this time. ^_^