Incredible to look back on assignments from just a few weeks ago to see how quickly things changed.

March 1: Thousands at North Avenue Beach for the Polar Plunge. The U.S. has just recorded its first coronavirus death.

March 2: In a North Side hardware that has sold out of masks, but Purell and other hand sanitizers are aplenty

March 4: At a church service where people greet each other without touching, but gathering is still commonplace

March 5: Spot one person on the CTA wearing a surgical mask, but it’s rare, and downtown transit is crowded

March 8: Busy day on the crowded (and eroding) lakefront, but I also visit a prepper’s well-stocked pantry who has been ready for years

March 10: Last press conference about something other than the virus. Also the last time I shook hands with anyone (and immediately sanitized.

I also photograph fancy soaps.

March 11: Photographing the quarantined Vaughn students from outside their windows, and food deliveries to the families. But they are the rare ones staying home

March 15: Some passengers are wearing masks at O’Hare. Many are not. But the airport is clearly emptying out

March 15: While photographing an emptying restaurant scene, the Governor’s order comes down to close dining-in entirely

March 16: Early in-person voting proceeds, the day before primary election day

March 17: The new normal fully takes shape. Empty streets as most people are now staying home.