Photos: Signs of the Coronavirus Impact in San Diego

By Monica Garske • Published June 19, 2020 • Updated on February 24, 2022 at 11:54 am

Life, at least for now, has changed in San Diego County as we face the coronavirus pandemic alongside the rest of the world.

We're wearing masks wherever we go. The lines at the grocery stores won't quit. Our favorite restaurants, breweries, and beloved small businesses are operating in far different ways than before. Our beaches are quieter than ever. Around our freeways and neighborhoods, we're spotting signs and messages that remind us of really just how different life feels right now.

But, if you look close, there's also a lot of love and hope around San Diego County. Teddy bears in window sills set out for kids to spot on neighborhood walks. Messages of unity written in chalk on our sidewalks. Special gifts left by strangers on doorsteps. Although we're apart, the pandemic has proved that we're still so deeply connected.

Many locals have also used this time to give back to their communities and just show each other they are not alone. We still very much need each other.

Here's a series of photos, beginning in mid-March 2020, showing how COVID-19 has changed our daily lives in San Diego and how our city is sharing the love with one another.

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An employee cleans and disinfects shopping carts outside an Albertsons Cos. Vons grocery store in San Diego, California, U.S. on Monday, June 22, 2020. Existing shareholders of Albertsons Cos., including Cerberus Capital Management, are seeking as much as $1.3 billion in its U.S. initial public offering, as grocery remains of the the few businesses to get a boost from the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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A cashier works behind a Plexiglas safety divider in the check-out area of an Albertsons Cos. Vons grocery store in San Diego, California, U.S. on Monday, June 22, 2020. Existing shareholders of Albertsons Cos., including Cerberus Capital Management, are seeking as much as $1.3 billion in its U.S. initial public offering, as grocery remains of the the few businesses to get a boost from the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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A shopper wearing a protective mask stands next to a plexiglass divider while paying for purchases at the check-out area inside an Albertsons Cos. grocery store in San Diego, California, U.S. on Monday, June 22, 2020. Existing shareholders of Albertsons Cos., including Cerberus Capital Management, are seeking as much as $1.3 billion in its U.S. initial public offering, as grocery remains of the the few businesses to get a boost from the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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A shopper wearing a protective mask browses produce inside an Albertsons Cos. Vons grocery store in San Diego, California, U.S. on Monday, June 22, 2020. Existing shareholders of Albertsons Cos., including Cerberus Capital Management, are seeking as much as $1.3 billion in its U.S. initial public offering, as grocery remains of the the few businesses to get a boost from the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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A manager performs a temperature check at a health screening station inside an Albertsons Cos. Vons grocery store in San Diego, California, U.S. on Monday, June 22, 2020. Existing shareholders of Albertsons Cos., including Cerberus Capital Management, are seeking as much as $1.3 billion in its U.S. initial public offering, as grocery remains of the the few businesses to get a boost from the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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One of the many creative social distancing signs popping up at businesses all over San Diego.

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A reminder on the floor inside the Grocery Outlet takes pride in social distancing rules.

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A shopper stands next to a social distancing marker on the floor of the check-out area at an Albertsons Cos. grocery store in San Diego, California, U.S. on Monday, June 22, 2020. Existing shareholders of Albertsons Cos., including Cerberus Capital Management, are seeking as much as $1.3 billion in its U.S. initial public offering, as grocery remains of the the few businesses to get a boost from the pandemic. Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty Images

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The Chabad Carmel Valley donated 1,900 cupcakes to the San Diego Police Department in mid-June and included “Letters From the Heart” with the sweet treats so each officer felt the gratitude. The San Diego Police Officers Association shared photos of the special delivery on Twitter.

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“Heroes Work Here.” Army veteran James Rydbeck brings flowers and a sign of thanks to Rady Children’s Hospital nurse Marcyn Lord. Rady Children’s said Lord is Rydbeck’s neighbor and when he went into cardiac arrest on May 10, she sprung into action and saved his life.

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The San Diego International Airport has added these signs to remind travelers to keep a safe social distance while they wait for their flights.

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The San Diego International Airport has added these signs to remind travelers to keep a safe social distance while they wait for their flights.

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Little Italy closed to vehicle traffic to allow for more social distancing on June 13, 2020.

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The San Diego County Administration building lit up in green on June 8, 2020, as a symbol of support for all of those graduating in the class of 2020.

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People sit in cars during the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert at Petco Park on June 7, 2020 in San Diego, California. This was the first major concert in San Diego since Governor Gavin Newsom banned gatherings of over 250 people on March 12, 2020. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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General view of Petco Park at the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert on June 7, 2020 in San Diego. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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People sit in cars during the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert at Petco Park on June 07, 2020, in San Diego, California. This is the first major concert in San Diego since Governor Gavin Newsom banned gatherings of over 250 people on March 12, 2020. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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People sit in cars during the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert at Petco Park on June 7, 2020, in San Diego, California. This was the first major concert in San Diego since Governor Gavin Newsom banned gatherings of over 250 people on March 12, 2020. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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General view during the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert at Petco Park on June 7, 2020, in San Diego, California. This was the first major concert in San Diego since Governor Gavin Newsom banned gatherings of over 250 people on March 12, 2020. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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Switchfoot fans Nina O’Connell (L) and Janet Burke celebrate O’Connell’s 75th birthday at the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert at Petco Park on June 7, 2020 in San Diego, California. This is the first major concert in San Diego since Governor Gavin Newsom banned gatherings of over 250 people on March 12, 2020. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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Musician Jon Foreman of Switchfoot performs on stage at the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert at Petco Park on June 7, 2020 in San Diego. This was the first major concert in San Diego since Governor Gavin Newsom banned gatherings of over 250 people on March 12, 2020. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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Switchfoot performs on stage at the Feed The Need Drive-In Concert at Petco Park on June 7, 2020 in San Diego. (Photo by Daniel Knighton/Getty Images)

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Fans of the San Diego Padres watch the movie Anchorman outside of Petco Park at a drive-in movie on June 6, 2020 in San Diego, California. The event was organized to raise money for the hunger-relief charity Feeding San Diego. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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Fans of the San Diego Padres prepare to watch the movie Anchorman as they speak to a mascot of character Ron Burgundy outside of Petco Park at a drive-in movie on June 6, 2020 in San Diego, California. The event was organized to raise money for the hunger-relief charity Feeding San Diego. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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Bonghui Li works in a lab that is focused on fighting COVID-19 at Sorrento Therapeutics in San Diego, California on May 22, 2020. – Last Friday researchers announced that the antibody,ST1-1499, it had been developing proved to be effective in blocking the COVID-19 virus in laboratory experiments. Sorrento Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that researches human therapeutic antibodies for the treatment of cancer, inflammation, metabolic, and infectious diseases. (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER / AFP) (Photo by ARIANA DREHSLER/AFP via Getty Images)

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SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA – MAY 25: A Marine Color Guard presents colors during a Memorial Day ceremony at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery on May 25, 2020 in San Diego, California. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, activities were streamed on the internet for Memorial Day. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

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“Neighborhood chalk art for the times.” This “Stomp on the Evil Coronavirus” chalk art was spotted in a Rancho Penasquitos neighborhood on May 26, 2020.

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“Neighborhood chalk art for the times.” This “Stomp on the Evil Coronavirus” chalk art was spotted in a Rancho Penasquitos neighborhood on May 26, 2020.

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Contact-free pickup service began on May 26, 2020, at 11 San Diego Public Library locations.

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A sign on the sand at Carlsbad State Beaches on Memorial Day on May 25, 2020.

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The beach in Coronado on Memorial Day.

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As retailers slowly began to open their doors again under San Diego County’s Phase 2 reopening plan, small businesses like Bead Cellar had some fun welcoming customers back. This sign was placed at the entrance of the DIY jewelry-making shop on Mira Mesa Boulevard. “We are all pretty excited to have our small business open up!” Michele Lane wrote to NBC 7.

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A sign at Mast Park in Santee, on May 24, 2020, reminding visitors to practice at least 6 feet of social distancing between themselves and other park-goers.

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A sign at Mast Park in Santee, on May 24, 2020, reminding visitors that playgrounds remain closed.

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Local muralists from Pandr Design Co. have been turning boarded up shops in downtown San Diego into inspiring works of art during the coronavirus pandemic. This "Stay Strong" artwork can be found outside the Tipsy Crow.

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This mural by Pandr Design Co. is just outside a boarded up eatery in downtown San Diego.

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County public health officer Wilma Wooten wears a face mask, reminding others to do the same.

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Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Andrew Halford, from San Diego, holds the American flag on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as it departs Apra Harbor May 21, 2020, following an extended visit to Guam in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting carrier qualifications during a deployment to the Indo-Pacific. APRA HARBOR (May 21, 2020) – Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Andrew Halford, from San Diego, holds the American flag on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as it departs Apra Harbor May 21, 2020, following an extended visit to Guam in the midst of the COVID-19 global pandemic. Theodore Roosevelt is underway conducting carrier qualifications during a deployment to the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Pyoung K. Yi)

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This mural by Pandr Design Co. can be seen in North Park.

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Escondido resident, Sylvia, 10, came up with her “Bucket Full of Kindness” project as a way to connect with neighbors during the coronavirus pandemic. She delivers these sweet surprises to porches around her neighborhood.

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NBC 7 Producer Selena Alvarado caputured this shot of the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds on formation near Balboa Park during a special flyover on May 15, 2020, to give thanks to front line workers.

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Scripps Health, sending love to its health care workers with this social media post during National Hospital Week in May 2020. “To every individual within various departments across Scripps, on the front lines and behind the scenes – thank you. We couldn’t do any of this without you.”

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The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department held a ceremony on May 15, 2020, at its headquarters in Kearny Mesa to pay tribute to SDSO Deputy Thomas Fay, who was killed in line of duty 101 years ago. The ceremony looked different though – shifting a bit to reflect these times of the pandemic. Honor Guard wore face masks as they remembered Fay.

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The San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego is serving as a temporary homeless shelter during the coronavirus pandemic. The convention center’s team and its food and beverage partner, Centerplate, have been preparing and serving more than 140,000 meals to residents of “Operation Shelter to Home” since early April. This is a glimpse into that massive food prep.

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The San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego is serving as a temporary homeless shelter during the coronavirus pandemic. The convention center’s team and its food and beverage partner, Centerplate, have been preparing and serving more than 140,000 meals to residents of “Operation Shelter to Home” since early April. This is a glimpse into that massive food prep.

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The San Diego Public Library made 1,600 3D-printed face shields for San Diego-area hospitals in May 2020. Mayor Kevin Faulconer tweeted this photo and said he was asking the library to make 1,000 more face shields for health care workers in Tijuana, Mexico. “#COVID19 knows no borders,” Faulconer said. “And protecting first responders in Mexico helps keep Americans safe in San Diego. We’re in this together.”

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“A bountiful blessing.” That’s how Oceanside resident Lee Willis described this gift of pantry staples that showed up at his front door on May 13. Willis told NBC 7 he and his wife were in their living room when they heard a truck pull up to their house. They looked at each other and – at the same time – said, “I didn’t order anything.” A neighbor dropped off a bag full of food, saying they had taken up a collection at his church, St. Margaret’s on Oceanside Boulevard, and “wanted to share the bounty with all the neighbors up the hill.” Willis said the neighbor distributed the same amount to every home on his street.

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In honor of National Hospital Week, Scripps Health shared this photo on Instagram of its behind-the-scenes heroes. This is the team that works “tirelessly to make sure Scripps hospitals are clean, disinfected and safe” for patients and staff,” the social media shout-out said.

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The San Diego Police Department runs a program called “You Are Not Alone,” where volunteers from the Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol regularly check on elderly or disabled locals. The other day, it was Helen’s turn for a little check-in. Volunteers brought some essentials to her home, including wipes. And the story gets even better: the police department said Helen is a former Senior Volunteer Patrol member, so the giving came full-circle.

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Colorful, inspirational chalk art connects us all right now, all over San Diego. Spotted at Rady Children’s Hospital: uplifting messages written in chalk in front of the hospital, showing appreciation for the hospital’s amazing nurses.

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The signs at Walker Preserve hiking trail in Santee outline the new rules in the era of social distancing, mask-wearing and the coronavirus pandemic.

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Officers with the El Cajon Police Department dropped by local resident Betty’s house on May 7 to wish her a happy birthday. She turned 99. “We had to stop by for that one!” the ECPD tweeted.

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Emma Payan’s pantry, in the driveway of her family’s home in Chula Vista.

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High school seniors Jacob Rubic (Rancho Bernardo High School) and his best friend, Cyruz Tam (Westview High School), take some cap-and-gown photos together to commemorate their upcoming 2020 graduations. The face masks and gloves are just part of the times we live in.

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High school senior photos are looking a bit different this year. Here, Del Norte High School senior Kira Escola adds a new coronavirus pandemic accessory to her pics: a face mask.

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A colorful art project to thank essential workers. Karen Klass lives in south San Diego County with her family and told NBC 7 her daughter – who is a Girl Scout – created this masterpiece on their garage door to give thanks to essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

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San Diego resident Paul Nestor captured this photo from his apartment at Six Avenue and Kalmia Street in Bankers Hill. The “Thank You Nurses” message lighting up the façade of a building was perfect for National Nurses Day on May 7, 2020.

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For many San Diegans, this is what a visit to the beach looks like these days: signs, masks, and far less people. NBC 7 viewer Gloria Bradford shared this photo of her granddaughters at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas.

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A Rady Children’s Hospital medical unit nurse gives a “thumbs up.” Rady Children’s posted this photo on Twitter in early May thanking front line workers for their dedication during the difficult times of COVID-19.

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On May 1, 2020, more than two dozen students from Eastlake High School put together 150 gift bags to surprise senior citizens at St. Paul’s Plaza. The students are part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a class all about leadership skills and how to impact a community in positive ways. Some students delivered the goodies to the seniors; the bags were filled with a photo of the students, Play-Doh, a game and activity book, flowers and a handwritten note from a student. A rep for Chick-fil-A shared these photos with NBC 7 and said the seniors were overwhelmed by the love. “The (students) sang ‘You are My Sunshine’ to them and the residents responded with, ‘I wish I could hug you! Thanks for remembering us!’”

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On May 1, 2020, more than two dozen students from Eastlake High School put together 150 gift bags to surprise senior citizens at St. Paul’s Plaza. The students are part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a class all about leadership skills and how to impact a community in positive ways. Some students delivered the goodies to the seniors; the bags were filled with a photo of the students, Play-Doh, a game and activity book, flowers and a handwritten note from a student. A rep for Chick-fil-A shared these photos with NBC 7 and said the seniors were overwhelmed by the love. “The (students) sang ‘You are My Sunshine’ to them and the residents responded with, ‘I wish I could hug you! Thanks for remembering us!’”

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On May 1, 2020, more than two dozen students from Eastlake High School put together 150 gift bags to surprise senior citizens at St. Paul’s Plaza. The students are part of the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy, a class all about leadership skills and how to impact a community in positive ways. Some students delivered the goodies to the seniors; the bags were filled with a photo of the students, Play-Doh, a game and activity book, flowers and a handwritten note from a student. A rep for Chick-fil-A shared these photos with NBC 7 and said the seniors were overwhelmed by the love. “The (students) sang ‘You are My Sunshine’ to them and the residents responded with, ‘I wish I could hug you! Thanks for remembering us!’”

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Some parks across San Diego County have reopened but with new rules in these times of the coronavirus pandemic. As seen at El Monte County Park in Lakeside on May 2, 2020, an employee stands near a board filled with signs explaining the restrictions and rules at that park.

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San Diego city beaches were reopened for the first weekend since the coronavirus pandemic reached San Diego County and San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer helped patrol the shorelines alongside San Diego Lifeguards. “Thanks for all of the hard work and support!” SDFD tweeted. “San Diego beaches look good and safe!”

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San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer hopped on the loudspeaker at the Pacific Beach Lifeguard Station on May 3 and spoke to beachgoers about following public health guidelines on the shorelines. The SDFD tweeted this image and thanked San Diegans for keeping it “classy” on the city’s beaches.

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As city beaches reopened, many people flocked to Sunset Cliffs. The San Diego Police Department tweeted this photo of a roped off Sunset Cliffs on May 1, 2020, and asked the public to avoid this spot because it had been getting too congested. “

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Twenty-five Eastlake High students came together to make 150 gift baggies for senior citizens at St. Paul's Plaza. The baggies had games, flowers, candy, handwritten cards and more, said Cheryl Shields of Chick-fil-A.

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Using 640 LEGO bricks, Legoland Master Model Builder Tim Sam created this artwork of gratitude at Legoland California Resort in late April 2020. The “Thank You” and symbolic yellow ribbon are meant for all essential workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. Legoland said the masterpiece is more than 3 feet long and is nearly 2 feet tall.

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Twenty-five Eastlake High students came together to make 150 gift baggies for senior citizens at St. Paul's Plaza. The baggies had games, flowers, candy, handwritten cards and more, said Cheryl Shields of Chick-fil-A.

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Members of the San Diego Distillers Guild have shifted gears during the coronavirus pandemic to produce hand sanitizer.

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San Diego-based F&F Properties, a property development and housing provider, has been finding ways to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic, including donating meals to law enforcement officials around San Diego County. F&F Properties founder Dan Feder, his wife and their kids have facilitated the drop-off of more than 100 meals, safely delivering them to law enforcement and essential workers from Oceanside to Imperial Beach. “I hope these small acts of kindness will inspire others to contribute as well,” Feder said.

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“Superheroes don’t just wear capes, they wear scrubs, too. Happy #NationalSuperheroDay to all of the front-line caregivers showing up and saving the world every day.” Sharp HealthCare shared this photo on social media on April 28, 2020.

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As city beaches and Mission Bay reopened on April 27, 2020, one paddleboarder grabbed his board and his GoPro and recorded that first sweet swim. This shot was taken from Sail Bay, between the Bahia and the Catamaran.

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“If you leave your place, cover your face.” This horse sculpture in a Kensington neighborhood is following health recommendations.

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San Diego resident Susan Stewart shared this photo of something called the “Thank You Poster” in her neighborhood. “The neighbors were all invited to participate and put in the names of businesses that needed thanking,” she told NBC 7. “It was a fun project getting everyone involved.”

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With salons and barbershops closed for now, San Diego residents Pat and Sherrol McDonough took it upon themselves to give Pat a little trim. “We are sheltering in place as best as we can,” Pat McDonough told NBC 7. “Something had to be done!”

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A group of teddy bears — wearing face masks — sit in the window sill of a Mission Hills home in San Diego County.

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San Diego-based F&F Properties, a property development and housing provider, has been finding ways to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic, including donating masks. The company has donated more than 10,000 disposable masks to all building tenants and former staff, along with their families, spreading across 33 apartment communities in 18 different neighborhoods throughout San Diego County.

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San Diego-based F&F Properties, a property development and housing provider, has been finding ways to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic, including donating meals to law enforcement officials around San Diego County. F&F Properties founder Dan Feder, his wife and their kids have facilitated the drop-off of more than 100 meals, safely delivering them to law enforcement and essential workers from Oceanside to Imperial Beach. “I hope these small acts of kindness will inspire others to contribute as well,” Feder said.

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The county of San Diego posted this collage of locals wearing face masks on Instagram. “Verified
Remember, if you leave your place, cover you face! Thank you for doing your part, San Diego,” the caption read.

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San Diego resident Judy Yoder shared this photo with NBC 7 on April 25, 2020, of some chalk art created for their neighbor, who was celebrating her 86th birthday. “Never had a party since she turned 60,” Yoder said. “She gets to party in her driveway today!”

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Protestors gathered in Pacific Beach on April 26, 2020, to protest restrictions shuttering life in San Diego during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Protestors gathered in Pacific Beach on April 26, 2020, to protest restrictions shuttering life in San Diego during the coronavirus pandemic.

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Nicola McEwan-Beatty shared this image with NBC 7 on April 23, 2020, of the “Beep for Billy” parade in her neighborhood for a local resident who was turning 5. First responders and community members drove by to wish Billy a happy birthday.

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SkyRanger 7 captured planes as they traveled around the county to performs shows above hospitals to thank health care workers.

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While out on a walk in Escondido, Christina Irena spotted a "cheerful rock!" A brother and sister in elementary school have started painting rocks to spread throughout their neighborhood. What a beautiful way to spread some light!

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The San Diego County Administration Building along downtown’s waterfront lit up in patriotic colors on April 22, 2020. It was a tribute to COVID-19 first responders. “Thank you for all you do!” a tweet from the county read.

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Sprouts Farmers Market delivered bags filled with healthy groceries to San Diego Fire-Rescue Department firefighters in Pacific Beach. The grocer said this was a “token of gratitude” to local first responders for their tireless work. The bags were signed by Sprouts employees.

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Apple donated dozens of boxes of face shields to Sharp HealthCare for front line health care workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Sharp HealthCare shared this photo with NBC 7 on April 21, 2020, saying the much-needed PPE items arrived “at a time when personal protective equipment for health care workers are in short supply.”

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The County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency created this graphic to remind the public to wear face masks. The HHSA shared it on Twitter and on the county’s coronavirus website.

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Like so many local restaurants, Pho Point Loma & Grill, along with volunteers, have donated 800 meals to San Diego-area hospitals over the past couple of weeks. The eatery told NBC 7 it has been able to deliver lunch and dinner to six hospitals including UC San Diego Jacobs Medical Center, Sharp Memorial Hospital and Scripps Mercy Hospital. The restaurant said this is a gesture of gratitude for the health care workers on the front line of the coronavirus pandemic. “They are facing a tremendous challenge in order to serve, to save San Diego communities in the pandemic,” Sean Phan, of Pho Point Loma & Grill, said.

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“Stay Healthy. Stay Home. Stay Safe.” Chalk art in a San Diego neighborhood on April 20, 2020.

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Southern California-based motor oil company RPP Products has shifted gears during the pandemic, and is now creating and donating hand sanitizer for homeless shelters and food banks. The company donated 250 gallons of hand sanitizer to the emergency homeless shelter at the San Diego Convention Center on April 20, 2020.

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Health care professionals at Scripps Mercy Chula Vista Hospital may be wearing masks at work these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t smile at patients. Christine Vergara, a lab assistant at Scripps Mercy Chula Vista, sent these photos to NBC 7 of health care workers wearing masks that have fun and silly smiles painted on them. “Just wanted to show San Diego we can still show our smiles through our mandatory mask wearing protocol,” Vergara said. “It definitely brings a happy hospital atmosphere to our dismal situation during these coronavirus times. Our smiles were a hit with our doctors, nurses and especially our patients.

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Health care professionals at Scripps Mercy Chula Vista Hospital may be wearing masks at work these days, but that doesn’t mean they can’t smile at patients. Christine Vergara, a lab assistant at Scripps Mercy Chula Vista, sent these photos to NBC 7 of health care workers wearing masks that have fun and silly smiles painted on them. “Just wanted to show San Diego we can still show our smiles through our mandatory mask wearing protocol,” Vergara said. “It definitely brings a happy hospital atmosphere to our dismal situation during these coronavirus times. Our smiles were a hit with our doctors, nurses and especially our patients.

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Masks are the “new normal” for San Diego’s law enforcement agencies. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department shared this photo in mid-April 2020 of deputies stopping by Grossmont Hospital to thank health care workers. Officers with the La Mesa Police Department joined in the visit.

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On April 17, 2020, the San Diego Food Bank hosted another emergency drive-thru donation event, this time at Grossmont Center in San Diego’s East County. The “contactless” event allowed 1,000 cars to pass through the site to collect 40-pound bags of food and household essentials like toilet paper, baby wipes and paper towels. The drive-thru donations were for low-income families and senior citizens.

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On April 17, 2020, the San Diego Food Bank hosted another emergency drive-thru donation event, this time at Grossmont Center in San Diego’s East County. The “contactless” event allowed 1,000 cars to pass through the site to collect 40-pound bags of food and household essentials like toilet paper, baby wipes and paper towels. The drive-thru donations were for low-income families and senior citizens.

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Talk about a sweet gesture. See's Candies donated 34,500 pounds of candy to various hospitals in the Sharp Health Care system and some nonprofit organizations throughout San Diego County on April 16, 2020.

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The San Diego Police Department posted this photo on Facebook on April 16, 2020. “The love of the community is pouring out in all neighborhoods,” the department wrote. “The signs read, ‘Nurses, grocery workers, delivery drivers, truck drivers, public health workers, scientist, farmers, letter carriers, military and FIRST RESPONDERS.’” SDPD said this type of love around San Diego helps lift the spirits of police officers and “solidifies our desire to win.”

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The San Diego Unified School District posted this photo on Twitter on April 15, sharing some colorful artwork put together by students from Morse High School for nurses at Scripps Health La Jolla. The posters – created by Mrs. Bergan’s AP Art History students – were a way to show gratitude for health care workers, the school district said.

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Junior Girl Scout, Emma, who’s also a student at Halecrest Elementary School in Chula Vista, was looking for a way to help her community during the coronavirus pandemic. She and her family set up a table in front of their home with essentials for people in need. People could also share donations to replenish the table. Her mom, Michelle Payan, told NBC 7 many people had donated to their table and many people have taken what they needed. “Honestly, it’s amazing how many of our neighbors are in need,” Payan said.

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The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department tweeted this photo on April 15, 2020, thanking local businesses – including those in Vista – for donating supplies for SDSO deputies and staff. “During these challenging times, it’s nice to see everyone coming together to help each other,” the tweet read. “We truly appreciate your kindness & support.”

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The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department tweeted this photo on April 15, 2020, thanking local businesses – including those in Vista – for donating supplies for SDSO deputies and staff. “During these challenging times, it’s nice to see everyone coming together to help each other,” the tweet read. “We truly appreciate your kindness & support.”

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A Normal Heights resident turned her driveway into a “Free Farmers Market” to help any neighbors in need on April 14, 2020.

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Domino’s Pizza in San Diego donated 200 pizzas to Kaiser Permanente in mid-April.

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On Easter Sunday, The San Diego Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team stopped by the home of an 85-year-old San Diego woman who lives alone. The team posted this photo on Facebook.

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San Diego Sheriff Bill Gore wears a face mask in a video posted on Twitter by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department on April 11, 2020. In the video, Gore was joined by San Diego Police Department Chief David Nisleit and the chiefs from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and San Diego Lifeguards to salute health care workers at Scripps Health and Rady Children’s Hospital.

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Bay Park resident Reznor Bissett turned 7 on April 13, 2020. The San Diego Police Department made his day truly memorable: officers drove through his neighborhood, sirens blaring, to wish him a happy birthday. They even sang to him on the bullhorn.

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Parents who use the Cardiff-based business, Ki’s School Lunches, made generous donations that allowed the company to prepare and deliver lunches to health care workers at Scripps and Sharp hospitals in San Diego County.

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A smiling teddy bear sits in a window sill in Mission Hills on April 13, 2020. It’s part of an ongoing game around the world during the coronavirus pandemic dubbed the “Teddy Bear Hunt.”

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Spotted in Rancho Penasquitos: an Easter decoration, decked out in a face mask.

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Logan Heights resident Raymundo Navarro is known to go all out decorating his home for the holidays. For Easter, he and his wife put together this colorful, topical display focused on both the holiday and the fight against the coronavirus.

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Logan Heights resident Raymundo Navarro is known to go all out decorating his home for the holidays. For Easter, he and his wife put together this colorful, topical display focused on both the holiday and the fight against the coronavirus.

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Even the Easter bunnies wore masks at this home in Logan Heights, which is known to be decked out for the holidays.

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Logan Heights resident Raymundo Navarro is known to go all out decorating his home for the holidays. For Easter, he and his wife put together this colorful, topical display focused on both the holiday and the fight against the coronavirus.

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Messages of hope and victory over COVID-19 were the theme of the decorations at this home in Logan Heights.

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The San Diego Museum of Man in Balboa Park lit up in blue as a tribute to health care workers in the fight against COVID-19. Landmarks around the world are using blue light displays like this to say thank you to those on the front lines.

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A neighborhood Easter Bunny makes the rounds while social distancing in Carlsbad on April 12, 2020.

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A yellow ribbon and signs of thanks hung on a lamp post in a San Diego neighborhood on April 9, 2020. Waterproofed against the rainy weather, the sweet sign read: “Thank you essential workers, thank you. #AllInThisTogether.”

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One-thousand cars drove through a donation site at Southwestern College in Chula Vista on April 10, 2020, to pick up bags of food and essential items put together by the San Diego Food Bank. Cars lined up for 5 hours before the donation drive-thru opened, hoping for a chance at the free supplies.

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A sign on a street in Santee advertising fabric face masks for sale on April 10, 2020.

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The counter at a San Diego-area post office in mid-April. A plastic divider separates workers from the public, and bright tape marks where people should be standing to keep a safe social distance.

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A sign at a San Diego-area post office in mid-April explains “the dance” customers and workers must now do to maintain safe social distance.

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Robin Pawl, of The Magic Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, and her dog Maestro wear bandannas to protect themselves amid the pandemic.

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Reina, one of Pawl's horses, rocks a bandana on her muzzle.

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The final page of the weekly ad for Albertsons and Vons in early April 2020 featured this note of gratitude for grocery store staffers.

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NBC 7 viewer Kelley Castleberry shared this photo of a sign at the beach in Oceanside during sunset, as public places like beaches remain closed during the pandemic.

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Downtown’s Hilton Bayfront hotel lit up its windows in the shape of a heart, a message of love for the community.

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San Diego County’s Epidemiology and Immunization Services Branch received a care package filled with hand-made thank you cards from a group of young San Diegans.

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NBC 7 viewer Chris Morrow sent us this photo of a #YellowRibbon tied around a tree near the E Street Trolley Station in Chula Vista. The ribbon is a symbol of gratitude for health care workers and first responders giving their all on the front lines of the pandemic.

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La Mesa-based dentist Dr. Larry Pawl had to shut down his dental practice during the coronavirus pandemic and his small staff of five is unable to work. This week, the dentist paid a surprise visit to each of his employees, and he came bearing gifts (and a Santa hat). He put together care packages for each employee that included all of the essentials – from toilet paper to face masks – plus Starbucks gift cards and a $500 Vons gift card for groceries. “This unexpected display of generosity made us smile,” Stephanie Perez, who manages Pawl’s dental office, told NBC 7.

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Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort sent this message of love and unity on April 7, 2020, using the lights in the windows to form hearts on the buildings. A PR rep for the resort said the message was a simple “reminder to the community that we are all in this together.”

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San Diego resident Robertino Rodriguez works at Scripps Mercy. With all of the PPE he now has to wear for work, he was afraid his patients would be intimidated, and would not be able to see him smiling at them. So, he made a badge with his photo on it, to remind patients there’s a smiling person under that face mask – a health care worker who just wants to take care of them.

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The San Diego Convention Center in downtown San Diego has been turned into a shelter for the homeless population during the coronavirus pandemic. This is a shot of the space on April 3, 2020.

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On April 3, 2020, teachers at Fletcher Hills Elementary School in El Cajon put together a caravan parade for students. Teachers drove through neighborhoods, waving at students and families who stood – 6 feet apart – on sidewalks and waved back. So-called “Teacher Parades” are part of a growing trend across the U.S. during school closures and the coronavirus pandemic.

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More than 40 cars took part in Fletcher Hills Elementary School’s “Teacher Parade” on April 3, 2020. Here, sisters Emma (left) and Eva Grau (right) hold up a sweet homemade signs for their teachers to see as they cruise by their neighborhood in El Cajon.

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On April 5, 2020, Palomar Medical Center in Escondido announced plans to house a 250-bed federal medical station to help with the surge of COVID-19 cases in San Diego County.

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The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department posted this photo on Instagram on April 2, 2020, with this caption: “Messages of support and gratitude are popping up around our city. This one appeared in Kensington.
We appreciate San Diegans for staying home and keeping your social distance! We are all #inthistogether”

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The San Diego Police Department shared this photo on Instagram of local kids off their uplifting chalk art. “sandiegopd’s profile picture
sandiegopd
These kids and their community wanted to show their love & appreciation for ALL those on the front lines. We truly appreciate their art work AND hearts!” the SDPD’s caption on social media read.

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Teddy bears sit in a window sill in Mission Hills. People all over the U.S. have started putting the stuffed animals in their windows as part of a neighborhood game to keep kids entertained during walks amid the pandemic.

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The County Administration Building along San Diego’s waterfront was lit up in patriotic-colored lights on April 2, 2020, as a tribute to health care workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

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San Diego’s cases of COVID-19, by zip code, as of April 1, 2020.

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A plushy bear sits in a window sill in Santee, as part of a game to unite neighbors, even when they’re apart.

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The “Teddy Bear Hunt” is a simple, sweet game being played around neighborhoods all over the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic, including neighborhoods in Santee.

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The “Teddy Bear Hunt” is a simple, sweet game being played around neighborhoods all over the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic, including neighborhoods in Santee.

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A plushy bear sits in a window sill in Santee, as part of a game to unite neighbors, even when they’re apart.

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A rock with an uplifting message was found in Golden Hill. It joins a series of other rock painting projects that have been spotted in Temecula and Santee.

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A positive message on a sidewalk in a Santee neighborhood reads: “It will be okay.”

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A sign at a local Vons store on March 28, 2020, letting customers know they’re not allowed to use their reusable bags during the coronavirus pandemic.

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In an Escondido neighborhood, residents set up a food table for anyone who needs it. People may take some and are encouraged to leave some, when possible. It's another example of San Diegans coming together to help out in times of crises.

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Social distancing, in practice, at a local bank branch. The floors were marked every 6 feet and there were ropes between customers and the tellers.

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A sneeze guard placed between customers and cashiers at a local Vons grocery store.

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Scripps nurses and staff donned their Padres swag in honor of what was meant to be Opening Day.

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A grandma and grandson hang out but stay separated by a window.

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Never saw this before: No line at Hodad’s in Ocean Beach.

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Staff at The Holding Company were handing out bags for supplies to anybody what said they were in need.

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Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach was largely empty on Sunday afternoon.

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Signs line the famous Mission Beach boardwalk in San Diego on March 27, 2020. The beach and boardwalk are closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

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The residents of Merrill Gardens, an assisted living facility in Bankers Hill, are now enjoying their morning fitness class from their balconies, a change made in response to social distancing and the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The instructor usually teaches the residents, together, in a room. Now, she stands on the opposite side of the street so they can all see her and follow along from their balconies.

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The instructor usually teaches the residents, together, in a room. Now, she stands on the opposite side of the street so they can all see her and follow along from their balconies.

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March 26, 2020, was supposed to be the San Diego Padres’ Home Opener at Petco Park. With the MLB at a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic, there was no opening day. Instead, the Padres put up this sign at Petco Park, tweeting, “Always Together.”

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The life of a San Diego police department officer looks slightly different today as the SDPD practices social distance. This photo was taken at a daily lineup briefing outside, with officers doing their best to stand 6 feet apart.

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San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer tweeted this photo on March 24, 2020, with this caption: “Today we made more shelter space in Golden Hall by moving 55 homeless families into motel rooms secured by @SanDiegoCounty. Wednesday the City Council will vote on an eviction relief ordinance and my economic relief package.”

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An official mailer from the White House was sent to American households during the coronavirus pandemic, dubbed “President Trump’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.”

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Booze Brothers Brewing Co. employee Josh Thompson sells beer under a pop-up tent at the brewery’s Vista location. For now, Booze Bros. is offering this drive-thru service, since brewpubs across California are closed amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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The back of the White House mailer outlines rules to follow during the COVID-19 crisis.

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Local Lori Brock sent this photo to NBC 7 of a crate filled with lemons for people to take for free. On NextDoor, many neighbors in San Diego-area communities have been offering fruit from their trees to anyone who needs it. As this sweet sign says, “Together, we can make lemon-aid.”

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A Solana Beach School District student practicing “Distance Learning,” a new program rolled out by the school district.

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Residents in Mission Beach took down a popular beach volleyball net after they said people weren't following the CDC's guidelines.⁠ They said they will put the net back up after the CDC gives the all-clear on social distancing.⁠

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A sign outside a Golden Hill home offers colorful butterflies made by a child.

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The city of National City called on its residents to "decorate your sidewalk or home with inspiration words or picture." Because San Diegans are supposed to stay at home, the city's goal is to get active in a safe way and shine some light on these uncertain times.

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U.S. Border Patrol agents wear masks on patrols.

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A CVS store in Grantville placed tape on the ground to mark out a safe distance for shoppers to stand while waiting to check out.

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A terminal at San Diego International Airport was seen relatively empty.

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A Trader Joe’s in Hillcrest had shoppers stand a safe distance apart, adhering to the CDC's guidelines.

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One of San Diego’s picture-perfect piers, closed to the public during the coronavirus pandemic. This photo was taken on March 22, 2020.

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A Vons grocery store marks the floors with red tape to guide shoppers on where to stand to follow the 6-foot social distance guidelines.

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The San Diego Police Department posted this photo on its Instagram page on March 21, 2020, with this caption: “If you need us to check on any elderly people we will be more than happy to do so. Even if they just want to speak through the window.”

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A couple of San Diego residents share an art session, via FaceTime, as they spend time at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The drive-thru line at an In-N-Out restaurant on March 22, 2020.

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The U.S.-Mexico Border after nonessential travel was suspended to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus.

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NBC 7's Ramon Galindo stops by the U.S.-Mexico Border after nonessential travel was suspended to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus.

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Home offices are doubling as classrooms as families share space during the COVID-19 pandemic in San Diego.

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Starbucks have now changed some locations in San Diego to only drive-thru. This was the line of one on Saturday, March 21.

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Piano lessons, at home, for one student in San Diego during the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March 2020.

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Some local businesses have now placed signs indicating pick-up only spots.

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Social distancing guidelines, in practice.

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Rookies Sports Bar in San Diego is giving all proceeds from takeout sales to its employees.

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No Returns on Toilet Paper: A sign at a SoCal Costco store says members will not be allowed to return the hottest commodities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Math, at home, for one student in San Diego during the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March 2020.

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A sign at a Southern California Costco says the store will offer a special shopping hour for members age 60+ amid the coronavirus pandemic.

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Homework time.

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La Mesa police officers stopped by a Costco store to deliver fresh coffee to weary shoppers on March 17, 2020.

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La Mesa police officers stopped by a Costco store to deliver fresh coffee to weary shoppers on March 17, 2020.

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The Cardiff Kook wears a mask over his face on March 15, 2020.

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The public typically dresses up the Cardiff Kook with accessories or clothing that reflects what’s happening in the world. The face mask is a nod to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The Parakeet Cafe in Little Italy had this note posted to its door on March 16, 2020.

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A sign along State Route 163 in San Diego reminds drivers to wash their hands to “avoid COVID-19” on March 15, 2020.

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A long line wrapped around a San Diego County Costco store before it even opened as locals waited to buy supplies on March 14, 2020.

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Empty shelves at the commissary at MCAS Miramar in San Diego on March 13, 2020.

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Empty shelves at a San Diego-area Vons on March 15, 2020.

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The halls and shelves of a Target store in San Diego County are typically filled with people — and toilet paper and paper towels. Not this time, though.

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No more samples at this Trader Joe’s in San Diego County — at least for now.

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A trio of tiny salesmen went into business in Golden Hill in San Diego County amid the coronavirus pandemic, selling toilet paper for $2 a roll.

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Students, at home, in San Diego during the coronavirus pandemic in mid-March 2020.

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“Limit 2 Per Customer.” Gallons of water at a Target store in San Diego County are a hot commodity.

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The baby wipes section wiped out at a Target store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020.

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More empty shelves and hallways at a Target store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020.

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Shelves where cold medicine is usually stocked are completely empty.

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Shelves at a Smart & Final store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020.

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Empty shelves at a Vons grocery store in San Diego County.

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Shelves at a Smart & Final store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020.

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Shelves at a Smart & Final store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020.

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A sign at a local Costco store reminds customers on how they can help curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

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Shelves at a Smart & Final store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020. There were still some canned goods left, but not much.

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Shelves at a Smart & Final store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020. The cleaning supplies were wiped out.

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Shelves at a Smart & Final store in San Diego County on March 12, 2020. The detergent selection was slim.

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Only a handful of toilet paper packages were left at the Target in Mission Valley.

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Turf Supper Club in Golden Hill asks its patrons to refrain from entering the restaurant if they feel ill.

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Salt & Straw in Little Italy had this sign posted to its door on March 16, 2020.

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Long lines at the commissary at MCAS Miramar on March 13, 2020.

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Long lines at the commissary at MCAS Miramar on March 13, 2020.

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