Posted on 11/30/2020 12:00:26 PM PST by Vendome
Fear, Prejudice Contribute to Pandemic Slump in San Francisco Chinatown
SAN FRANCISCO — Chinatown is one of the most colorful and historic districts in San Francisco but, despite a relatively low infection rate, the area is fighting for its life as fear of the pandemic is causing longtime businesses to fail. “It’s desolate and there’s nothing here anymore,” said area resident Mark Lobell. Grant Avenue on a Sunday morning would normally be jammed with shoppers and diners but, these days, it’s quiet and empty. Steven Lee co-owns the Sam Wo restaurant which has been operating in Chinatown for more than a century. “You see? This is the result of a pandemic,” Lee said as he climbed stairs to the dark, second-floor dining room. The tables were empty and a restaurant that once had people lined up down the block is reduced to take-out. “We’re down to maybe like three, three and a half people from 23 (employees). Three shifts down to three people,” Lee said. Read More
"I think it's because even if I walk out and cough a little bit — my throat is itchy — they look at me, 'Oh,' like this, 'scary,'" he said.
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/nancy-pelosi-visits-san-franciscos-chinatown/2240247/
And now, since San Francisco is basically no longer a town, there is even less reason to go
Stay away from some restaurants on Grant in Chinatown. They’re ripoffs. They would have employees passing out discount flyers to pedestrians, hoping to bring in unsuspecting tourists. The prices are hiked up well beyond any discounts. This was before the pandemic. Better to shop around for Chinese restaurants in other areas where they don’t rely on tourists.
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