By Christopher LeFall and Voice & Viewpoint Staff Writer
Photos by Christopher LeFall
On Wednesday, March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak a global pandemic. By Friday, March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national emergency and by March 19, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive stay-at-home order for all Californians. Covid-19 has contributed to panic across the globe. Here in San Diego, some local residents are handling the crisis with strength and wisdom.
Isaac Limon, 23, a muti-media journalism student at San Diego City College, is one of the individuals that is directly affected by the closure of educational institutions. Although classes have transitioned to online, “being at home makes it difficult to create the space to complete projects,” said Limon. He’s also a part of the news programs, City Times and Newscene, located on City’s campus.
“City Times is a hyperlocal organization. News has to be campus related or linked to campus. With the campus being closed, it makes reporting more difficult and we also are losing more resources,” Limon said.
Restaurants have been shut down as far as customer dining. However, there may be curbside pick up and delivery. Quinnton Austin, the owner of the local restaurant, The Louisiana Purchase, and a native of Louisiana, New Orleans, is no stranger to adjusting to state emergencies.
Austin says “Not only does it affect business, but it also affects employees because we’re not able to run as a full-scale restaurant.”
Small business owners like Austin don’t have the capital like larger food chains to tolerate the impact of a global crisis. “For all the restaurants and residents involved, stay in high spirits. And every penny you collect, make sure it goes to a good cause,” said Austin.
The coronavirus outbreak has shut down restaurants and businesses for months. Libraries, public schools, and other educational institutions have closed, some for the remainder of the school semester. Despite all, there are those in the community who are remaining strong.
