With other countries having eased restrictions and economies slowly regaining momentum, some parts of the United States continue to face the severe effects of the pandemic. California, specifically, holds the highest amount of cases in the world. What was once situational is now necessary: Masks have become mandatory, hospitals are reaching their maximum capacity, and stores are still threatened to close down indefinitely.
Despite the fear over the virus present in the area, people are more afraid of suffering economically. In an attempt to keep their businesses afloat, most restaurants in Los Angeles have provided customers with delivery and take out options. One of these restaurants is this family-owned Dimsum that packs everything in styrofoam and plastic for their customers.
What used to be buzzing social areas are now filled with more signs and reminders to keep safe. However, the safety protocols serve merely as guidelines rather than rules. People observe these not for their safety, but to be permitted to go outdoors.
Distance markers, which are used to guide the public to observe proper social distancing, have appeared on every storefront. These markers, however, are neither strictly enforced or strictly followed— leaving many still in close proximity with each other amid the rising number of cases in the area.
People continue to flock to their destinations but with social distancing, long lines have only grown longer. Offices and stores still operate but at limited capacities. Despite no significant changes in people’s lifestyle or activities, these compromises are already out of the ordinary for many in Los Angeles.
Once the home of Hollywood’s popular luxury dining, restaurants now strictly operate on take out and delivery orders. All the seats are put away and waiters, servers, and cleaners are nowhere to be seen. With chefs and the cashier being the only staff to work in restaurants that stay open, the places that once drove people in, only want them out.
Now that vaccines are rolling out of labs and into people’s bodies, it is only a matter of time before the crisis ends. California can return to its seat of economic power, holding up 15% of the US economy. However, with the required 85% of the population vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, the city of angels confronts an uphill battle against protocol breakers, anti-maskers, and the scarcity of vaccines.