starting a thread documenting life (particularly in the 626) during this #coronavirus pandemic and how #COVID19 is affecting my community. we are living through a historical event, the scale tbd

i encourage everyone to do this too or keep a journal. write what you’re seeing in the news, how you & your family/friends are responding, what‘s going on in your neighborhood. most of these personal stories don’t make it into history books

friday 3/13: not sure if which day scientifically since the #CoronavirusOutbreak began, but it is day 2 since @WHO officially called #COVID19 a pandemic. it’s triggered a lot of anxiety and concern but also some naysayers still comparing it to a seasonal flu (1/ )

it’s been a rare two days of significant rain in socal, but stores are completely packed and essentials and non-perishables are sold out — so it’s evident most of the population understands the gravity of looming and more widespread #coronavirus transmission.

it’s already 1+ month too late to get hand sanitizer & face masks, required for everyone in china but discouraged elsewhere except for medical professionals due to low supply. today there is also almost no more bottled water, hand soap, dried goods, snacks, frozen meat, and milk

a lot of restaurants, especially mom-and-pop asian ones, are struggling due to racism & xenophobia; it’s especially evident in the 626. my family & i haven’t eaten out as often (we usually dine out every night) but we still order takeout (4/ )

it’s interesting to note boba shops, disputably the icons of 626, are busy. my dad saw teens ordering 4+ drinks at half & half (5/ ) – bei Half & Half Boba Express

almost forgot about the most debated item, toilet paper! they’ve been flying off the shelves in bulk (especially costco’s) since late february, but they’re out of stock close to everywhere today, even @Charmin. flushable wipes except for @cottonelle are sold out too (6/ )

there’s been lots of lampooning online of people buying toilet paper, but for elders who have gone thru tragedy & war, it is a basic necessity just like rice. this is the first crisis many millennials are entering; it’s still unclear how serious or prolonged it will be… (7/ )

if anything and we are extremely lucky to escape a severe #CoronavirusPandemic, californians would have been getting ready for an earthquake, another major disaster millions still have not prepared for (8/ )