Our cooks and servers are mostly in the demographic that struggles with the high cost of living, and many are not provided sick day pay. That means many will opt to come into work when sick, instead of staying home and missing days of pay.

I'm staying away from foods that are in contact with multiple people before I eat it during these times, and I think that is prudent.

Judging by the number of people stocking up the toilet paper, sudden spike in illnesses causing diarrhea prevents people from going to the restaurants.

Schools are closed in 13 countries. Menlo School in Atherton closed. All schools may close. They should have the ability to teach online. Indeed, given the many threats and costs, online schooling may need to be the new model.

The Friends of the Palo Alto Library are cancelling their March book and ephemera sale as a cautionary measure although they will remain open for donations.
For more information see
www.fopal.org.

The article says canceling large social events is "paranoia", but this is exactly what the Santa Clara County Public Health Department is recommending. "At this time, we recommend postponing or canceling mass gatherings and large community events where large numbers of people are within arm’s length of one another." From the Santa Clara County government website: Web Link

Yes, this is going to mean lost profits, but until the government can get their act together on testing and treatment for this disease, they don't have any better advise.

Business is down for all restaurants. I personally know people that work at the above mentioned restaurants and they are slow. Some business owners are less than honest about this.

As paranoia about the risk of coronavirus spreads ...

A more sensitive, and accurate word is 'caution.'