Here in Philadelphia we went on COVID-19 shutdown on March 13, 2020. Since then we, as a society have had to adjust to a new way of life. To some degree many of our liberties have been taken away from us as a result of this Pandemic. As a formal photojournalist for local newspapers and magazines I learned the value of documenting times like this. So over the past week I’ve gone out to document places and times that would normally be flooded with people and activities. I visited churches, schools, parks and public transit stations all of which were either on complete shutdown or had almost an 80% decline in normal activity.
![Septa Fern rock station](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9015-683x1024.jpg)
While many followed the City’s shelter in place order and stayed home or shut down their businesses, there were still many that opted to go out. I didn’t question these people because it would mean getting close to them, but I did photograph them from afar.
![Sunday Morning Church](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MG_8971-732x1024.jpg)
![Fitness group in Rittenhouse square](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronaphilly-24-1024x683.jpg)
The above photo was taken on a Saturday Morning in Center City Philly, and while the group is clearly respecting the 6ft rule for their workout, prior to the start of the class they were on a bench chatting away. I love the premise, outdoor fitness, I just wished they considered that with their before and after time as well.
![Gas station near the expressway](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9033-1024x683.jpg)
![coronaphilly](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronaphilly-18-683x1024.jpg)
![Pat's Steaks South Philadelphia](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_8898-1024x683.jpg)
![Genos Steaks South Philadelphia](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_8892-1024x683.jpg)
On your typical Saturday afternoon these two famous cheese steaks stands would be flooded with customers, but not this day, there was one person at each restaurant.
![solo basketball player on closed court](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/IMG_9096-1024x683.jpg)
We’ve heard it a hundred times already, these are uncertain times and proof that we are in a changing world, a change that we are witnessing first hand. I have taken the stand that all of this is in God’s hand and all I or anyone else can do is ‘love they neighbor as thyself’
![rittenhouse square](https://wandathomasphotography.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/MG_8817-1024x683.jpg)
I think all this is happening for a reason. Mother Nature needed a reset, we as a social community need to reboot as well. I think of this time as a gift, one where we, if willing, can learn to get comfortable with ourselves and learn to dig into that place deep inside of us that we have avoided.