The Early Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic
April 2020 to December 2020
2020 was an "unprecedented" year full of change, fear, sadness, anger, and uncertainty. The world was immersed in a global pandemic caused by a virus known as "coronavirus" or "COVID-19." In response to this historic pandemic, I chose to create a photo journal of one small New England town's response and reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. What I ended up with is a collection of images that tell the story of how the world was turned upside down in 2020.
​Scroll down to view my photo journal. If you would like a closer look at each photograph, you can do so by clicking on each photo.
Please note: all these photos are mine, and I hold the rights to them. Therefore, these photos should not be reuploaded or shared without my permission or credit.
April 1, 2020
At the start of the pandemic, there was a sense of unity across the community, even though everyone was at least 6 ft apart from one another. The town of New Milford, which I decided to showcase as an example of how the pandemic in 2020 affected communities, adopted a new phrase to reflect this sense of unity: NM Strong. In this picture, you can see the logo written in chalk that was provided by a non-profit in the town, Village Center for the Arts.
The town of New Milford designed yard signs with the new "NM Strong" logo. An example of these signs can be seen in this photo in front of the town hall.
Fun Fact: Town Hall is on the site of Roger Sherman's former home. Roger Sherman was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Village Center for the Arts, a non-profit business located in building seen in this photo, provided chalk for pedestrians to use on the sidewalks. People left messages of hope, faith, and strength.
"We are the world. We are its children. We are the one's to make a brighter. So let's stay safe."
And the town came together as the people stayed apart. #NewMilfordStrong"
The sign hanging from the Roger Sherman Town Hall was created by an organization called "Helping Hands for Heroes." The goal of this non-profit is to support emergency services, military, and the community. Signs like these appeared throughout town, and the "New Milford Strong" logo could also be found on hats, shirts, and other products sold by "Helping Hands for Heroes."
This message was written on the steps of Village Center for the Arts by a stranger. The chalk was provided by Village Center for the Arts staff.
One recurring symbol in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic was a rainbow. The library, seen here, displayed a rainbow in their window with the message "It Will Be Good Again." The public library shut its doors to visitors and initiated programs like curbside pick up and drop off.
"And the world came together as the people stayed apart. New Milford Strong."
This message, written on the steps of the library, embodies the feeling of unity that was conveyed across the country at the start of the pandemic. However once the pandemic progressed, this feeling of unity faded, and new factions within the population relating to the pandemic developed.
The entertainment industry was hit hard by the pandemic. Movie theaters like the Bank Street Theater shut down when concerns about coronavirus spread, and it took months for theaters to reopen. This negatively impacted the movie industry. For example, Disney and Pixar released "Onward" in theaters on March 6, 2020; the poster for the movie can be seen in this photo. About one week later, U.S. movie theaters went dark. As a result, "Onward" was moved to Disney+, a streaming service run by the Disney Corporation, for viewing on April 3, 2021. The quote seen on the Bank Street Theater sign came from another Disney & Pixar movie, "Finding Nemo." During its closure, Bank Street Theater wrote inspirational movie quotes on their sign.
Although many businesses and companies switched to a "work from home" format or closed entirely, some businesses stayed open and in-person. This cafe and bakery, for example had been in business for just over one year when the pandemic hit. They continued to serve food, but customers could only order take out. No one was allowed to sit inside. Although many people took advantage of delivery services and takeout options, restaurants suffered because overall there was an increase in people choosing to cook at home.
Only a few cars lined Bank Street. Most businesses along this street were closed, and downtown itself was very vacant.
April 16, 2020
Some workers were still asked or forced to work in person during the pandemic. People in these roles were known as "essential workers." This included doctors, nurses, grocery store workers, mail service workers, police officers, firefighters, and bus drivers
Easter Sunday looked very different in 2020. In person church services were canceled, and churches began live streaming services online.
This sign was part of a gesture of appreciation for essential workers. Notice the father & two children in the background.
This was a common sight during the early weeks of the pandemic. This store showed its support for the community by hanging paper hearts in the window. Notice that underneath the "Sorry We're Closed" sign, there is a message urging customers to boycott Amazon. Amazon and other online shopping companies made a hefty profit in 2020. However, many of the employees for these companies reported being overworked, underpaid, and not provided with safe and healthy working conditions. Even though the companies made a profit, many of the employees did not get to reap in its employer's financial success.
Hair salons like En Vogue were deemed as non-essential businesses in the state of Connecticut. Many businesses who were considered "non-essential" posted signs like these on their windows and doors to alert customers of their indefinite closure.
The Bank Street Theater, seen here, closed its doors temporarily due to the pandemic. However, that did not stop the theater from sharing inspirational, relevant, and famous movie quotes along with the saying "NM Strong." This quote comes from the classic 1939 MGM movie, The Wizard of Oz.
Management at Bank Street Movie Theater left this notice for movie goers. The theater kept the public informed on any changes and updates through its social media.
Some businesses were able to find new and creative ways to stay open. Ruby Bridal, for example, established a policy in which bride-to-be would need to schedule an appointment to view dresses.
Rainbows became a symbol of hope, and many children drew rainbows that were then displayed in business' windows.
In the early months of the pandemic, there was a mask shortage due to high demand and low supply. Some people took advantage of the situation by making and selling handmade masks.
The blank space on the normally crowded sign captures the eerie feeling of emptiness all along Bank Street.
Restaurants were not allowed to serve people indoors, so many relied on take out and delivery to stay afloat. Some survived, like the restaurant seen here, but many closed permanently.
Joe's Salon left these signs on their windows and doors to alert clients of their temporary closure.
La Piccolina was another restaurant that temporarily switched to take out only. Here is a sign with the day's specials and a sign to show appreciation for first responders.
Great Taste Fusion chose to temporarily close during the early stages of the pandemic.
Prior to the pandemic, town residents voted to move forward with reconstruction of parts of the library to update & modernize. Since the library was already closed due to the pandemic, demolition and reconstruction began. At the time this photo was taken, it was unclear how long coronavirus could live on surfaces and if individuals could catch the virus through touching something that a COVID infected individual came into contact with. As the pandemic progressed, curbside service became available.
Postal workers and delivery services were especially busy during this time. Since people could not shop in person, there was a massive increase in online shopping. This increase paired with preexisting issues regarding staffing, fiscal support, and working conditions led to a delay in mail and package delays.
Many signs were placed around the town green to express gratitude and appreciation towards essential workers.
April 26, 2020
There is something haunting yet personal about this photo I took of myself. As you can see, I am wearing a handmade face mask since there was a short supply of masks at the time. The black and white color scheme mixed with the raindrops on the car window set a somber mood. The lack of color and sunshine indicates a more serious tone, and even my eyes show how emotionally and mentally exhausted the pandemic had made me.
Many businesses and homeowners adorned their yards and windows with hearts to show love and solidarity to neighbors and essential workers.
April 27, 2020
This was an interesting photo to take since I don't normally take photographs inside businesses. This is one of the aisles of Big Y World Class Market store number 56. Each aisle was assigned a direction for customers to walk in. One of the managers took time to create arrows for each aisle using blue painters tape. Even numbered aisles all went the same direction, and all of numbered aisles went in the same direction. As you can tell from looking at the customer at the end of the aisle who happens to be walking the wrong way, this was a major adjustment for shoppers and not she adhered to these protocols at all times. The blue arrows like the one seen in this photo were soon replaced by stickers that directed customers. The arrows and the practice of walking one way down each aisle were removed about one year later.
These signs were common in certain areas of Big Y in the early days of the pandemic. Supply chain issues made it difficult to keep certain items, like sanitizers and disinfectants, on the shelves
In the early months of the pandemic, certain products were hard to purchase and restock in stores. Some of these items included cleaning products like disinfectant wipes and bleach. The empty shelves in this photo show that Big Y was all out of these cleaning products at the time this photo was taken.
The cleaning aisle was empty for several weeks. The store would reorder these products and would sell out shortly after the store opened. Demand was high, and production could not keep up, so there were many instances where these "high demand items" could not be found in stores. Some people turned to Amazon and other online retailers to purchase these hard-to-get items.
"Sorry. Temporarily out of stock. Rain checks available at cash register."
The frozen foods section also experienced shortages.
During this time, Instacart became very popular. This company employed people to pick up and deliver other people's groceries. Some people ordered through the company to avoid going into public spaces. Other people signed up to work for Instacart to replace some of their income that was lost due to the ongoing pandemic.
April 29, 2020
"New Milford. Separated by space, but united in spirit."
"Thank you nurses and caregivers."
This is where the latest edition of the Spectrum is usually on display. However since Hearst Media was working remotely, no one was around to change the display. Therefore an edition from mid-March remained on display through April and May.
This notice informed people that Hearst Media is working remotely and gave information about how to contact people if need be.
The latest newspapers could be picked up from this bin.
One of the many "mask required" signs that adorned the windows and walls of businesses and restaurants.
Nutmeg Olive Oil had an announcement on their door explaining that they were open until 2pm.
A heart located at Robertson Jewelers.
"We are New Milford Strong."
April 30, 2020
In an attempt to raise morale, the town organized a parade. The parade traveled all around town so people could enjoy the parade from the comfort of their own homes.
May 3, 2020
This restaurant, like many downtown restaurant, still had its St. Patrick's Day menu on display. It was almost as if the restaurant was frozen in time.
This photo was taken outside of the Reis Learning Center.
"Support Our Business" was a plea from small businesses across the country. A lot of businesses shut down because of the financial implications of the pandemic.
This business, Cool Hand Duke's restaurant, still had its St. Patrick's day decorations on display as of early May. It was as if the restaurant was frozen in time.
A notice on the door of Len's Barber Shop informed customers that they would be closed for the unforeseeable future.
Home Buffet had a sign informing customers that they would be closed for the unforeseeable future.
Some businesses, like All Aboard, stayed open by offering take out. No one could sit inside the restaurant, but they could continue to support local businesses by ordering food to go.
Not all restaurants offered take out options. This sign on Theo's Downtown Diner informed customers that they would be closed "until further notice because of Covid-19."
One of the few things people could do during the first few months of the pandemic was spend time outside. Harrybrooke Park, a park located in New Milford, had to restrict access to the park in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Only New Milford residents were permitted in the park. New Milford police drove by the parking lot and verified the licenses of the vehicles parked at the park's entrance.
Harrybrooke was proud to have been a safe temporary escape for people in the early days of the pandemic, but they wanted to make sure that visitors stayed safe. These signs were posted around the park to encourage people to practice social distance and be respectful.
May 25, 2020
Memorial Day 2020. Usually Young's Field is busy, but this year the field was quiet. All events, including the annual Memorial Day parade and the Rotary Club's annual Duck Race, were canceled.
Public town spaces, like Young's Field, were exclusive for New Milford residents only. The skate park, seen behind the sign, was closed, but there were a couple people using the park when this photo was taken.
Bank Street is usually busy with people on Memorial Day, but not this year. Although the big, formal celebrations and parades were canceled, the flags still waved to honor those who gave their lives in military service.
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont gave approval for restaurants to allow customers to sit and eat as long as it was outdoors. Small businesses built outdoor eating spaces to serve customers. Buildings that did not have a lot of room for outdoor seating, like Home Buffet, were permitted to utilize part of the sidewalk and road. Barriers were put up around the outdoor seating area, and the seating area could only allow a few tables of people at a time.
Theo's Downtown Diner reopened and began offering outdoor seating.
A display in one of the store windows thanked essential workers.
Churches like the First Congregational Church of New Milford offered free live streaming of masses and services. This way people could continue to practice their faith and maintain a sense of community within their houses of worship in the comfort and safety of their homes.
Buildings were still adorned in their patriotic attire despite most Memorial Day events being canceled.
Members of the town created a field of "poppies" to honor those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of their country.
Businesses that had been closed over the past couple months began opening up slowly. One of the requirements was for people to wear a mask in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. This rule was enforced at the state level.
This photo was taken outside of Fernellie Creations.
These yellow signs that read "open for business" were outside of many establishments in downtown New Milford. The signs acted as a reminder to customers that, despite everything, they were still here.
June 7, 2020
This was taken outside of The Safari Collective just before the Black Lives Matter demonstration held in downtown New Milford.
In the few weeks leading up to June 7th, a black man named George Floyd was killed by police officers. His death along with the deaths of many other black Americans at the hands of police, sparked outrage around the country and around the world. New Milford residents expressed their outrage, frustration, and grief by peacefully marching around the town's green and nearby streets.
June 18, 2020
A new tradition was born.
The parents of New Milford High School students came together to honor the class of 2020 by creating banners with each student's senior photo and hanging the banners around the town green. The class of 2020 missed out on a lot of the traditional senior experiences like Prom, Senior Banquet, Senior Trip, Scholarship Night, College Acceptance Day, Senior Nights. and a full, traditional graduation ceremony.
Cheers to the class of 2020.
A sign with a heart and a yellow sign that said "Open for Business" was outside of Robertson Jewelers.
The town came together (metaphorically) to celebrate the graduating high school class. One way that they honored the graduates was by decorating the town's iconic bandstand with a massive banner.
This photo was taken outside of a restaurant named "Tuscany." The restaurant had been recently reopened under new management, but the pandemic eventually forced the restaurant to close for good.
This photo was also taken outside of Tuscany restaurant.
"Open for business."
"Thank you. New Milford strong."
"Heroes work here."
The early days of the pandemic were especially challenging for children and families. Many students across the country struggled to adjust to virtual learning, and they missed social interactions with people outside their households.
One child, Charley, used their time at home to create "A Coronavirus Lego Project" which was then on display in one of New Milford's downtown businesses. Charley was just seven years old at the time.
Some people expressed their creativity and fashion sense through face masks. Face masks were made in many different colors and patterns, but the best mask to prevent the contraction and spread of COVID-19, according to scientists, was the N-95 mask.
Face masks were required at most indoor places. If an individual refused to wear a mask, they could be denied entry or services.
Hand sanitizer has become a symbol of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's both fitting and coincidental that a bottle was placed outside of an "Open for Business" sign.
Ruby Bridal made a statement in response to the Black Lives Matter protests and movements by covering their windows and doors with the names of black Americans who had been killed at the hands of police.
Ruby Bridal remained open until September of 2021.
Bank Street Theater was permitted to allow people back into its theaters as long as they wear face masks. Since many movie businesses delayed their movie releases in response to the global pandemic, Bank Street played older movies like Jaws.
June 30, 2020
Another new tradition is born!
The crosswalk between 19 Main and Robertson Jewelers that stretched across Bank Street was painted like a rainbow in honor of Pride Month. The sidewalk remained this way all year, and was repainted in June 2021, June 2022, and June 2023.
July 25, 2020
The Black Lives Matter movements and protests lasted throughout the summer across the country. Although there was only one protest in New Milford, "Black Lives Matter" could still be heard around town. Here, a small sign was left near the steps of the bandstand.
This was a closeup of the sign left on the bandstand.
The town green used to be very busy on the last weekend of July. From 1967 to 2019, the annual town event known as Village Fair Days took place over the course of two days. The purpose of the event was to highlight and showcase local shops, artists, businesses, and restaurants. The fair had diminished in size over the past ten or so years due to rising costs of rental space, and dwindling attendance.
In 2022, it was announced that the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, the group of individuals that organized the fair, announced that there will not be another Village Fair Days as a result of low vendor participation. Instead, they hoped to establish new traditions in the future that highlight the town's great assets.
October 10, 2020
Nearly seven month had passed since the major shutdown. Some school districts started the year in a "hybrid" format in which students attend school in person for a few days and learn from home on the other days. Others remained fully virtual.
A lot of fall festivals and fairs were canceled, but that did not stop people from wanting to find safe ways of having fun. At Harris Hill farm, people could walk through a corn maze and pick out a pumpkin from a pumpkin patch.
November 14, 2020
The First Congregational Church continued to offer live broadcasts of their church services. Even though they did not have many people attending in the church, they still decorated the steps of the church with seasonal decor to spread cheer to those who pass by.
As Thanksgiving approached, people had to make hard decisions about whether or not to cancel their traditional Thanksgiving plans. More people ate at home with just the people in their household than ever before. Traditions like the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade were modified to promote and enforce social distancing in an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
December 17, 2020
There was an uptick in cases after the Thanksgiving holiday, and people were fearful of what would happen as a result of Christmas and New Year's gatherings.
A lot of families had to make difficult decisions about whether or not to gather for the holidays.
Although many traditions were negatively affected, some things stayed the same. For example, the town green was still decorated with Christmas trees stretching from one end of the green to the other.
The tree lighting ceremony went on as usual, but there was a live stream of the event. The annual carol sing along was canceled.
There were a lot of discussions about how districts should handle "snow days" moving forward. Some districts chose to close, meaning that they did not require students to be online. Others decided to allow for a few days off, but switch to virtual learning once they had "used up" all of their snow days.
It was a quiet and chilly night on Main Street when these photos were taken.
The people at Robertson Jewelers had a good sense of humor; they put a mask on the face of their inflatable, light up snowman.
As the year winded down, people looked forward to 2021 hopeful that it would not be as bad as 2020. People were talking about the possibility of vaccines being rolled out to the public, and with that came a sense of optimism. People wanted to go back to the way things were, but how and when society can go "back to normal" was highly controversial and debatable.
The truth was, the world could never be the exact way it was before the pandemic. Some aspects of life went back to how they were pre-pandemic, but other things did not. Many of the businesses featured in this photo journal closed within 3 years of me taking these photographs. Millions of people died from COVID-19 around the world.
There was no going "back to normal." That old, innocent, pre-pandemic sense of normalcy will never be fully attained again.
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