Scenes From the South Fork as Pandemic Grips New York

Tue, 03/17/2020 - 22:55

A quiet moment at the Highway Restaurant and Bar before a governor's order went into effect restricting all restaurants to takeout and delivery only.

Doug Kuntz

March 18, 2020

Grocery stores across the South Fork were crowded but empty of essentials as people prepared for the uncertain times ahead thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restaurants, too, boasted brisk business, but by Monday were forced to switch to takeout and delivery only.

Despite the huge influx of people on the South Fork, there was an unsettling quiet as businesses, nonprofits, libraries, schools, and government offices began to close their doors for a situation the likes of which few could have imagined. — Photographs by Durell Godfrey and Doug Kuntz

A shopper on Monday kept her mask on as she loaded groceries into her car. *Durell Godfrey*

At Cirillo's Market, a.k.a. the Amagansett I.G.A., on Friday shoppers were restricted to eight rolls of toilet paper per person. *Doug Kuntz*

What's showing? Nothing. Movie theaters, fitness clubs, and other businesses that might draw crowds were ordered closed on Monday in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. *Durell Godfrey*

Paul Novack locked the door of the American Hotel at 5 on Monday, bidding farewell to patrons for at least the next two weeks and likely longer. *Doug Kuntz*

People flocked to the beaches and other outdoor spots on Sunday as an influx of returning college students, second-home owners, and others found their way to the South Fork as the coronavirus upended normal schedules.
*Durell Godfrey*

Eateries like Sag Pizza made the quick shift to takeout only. *Durell Godfrey*

Schools closed, sports were suspended, and even the SAT was canceled. *Durell Godfrey*

Noel Roberts found nothing but empty shelves in the bread aisle at the East Hampton Stop and Shop on Friday. *Doug Kuntz*

The meat department at the King Kullen grocery store in Bridgehampton over the weekend. *Doug Kuntz*

Goldberg's Famous Bagels in East Hampton had a smaller crowd than usual at the bagels-only counter on Saturday. As of Wednesday morning, the store remained open for walk-in customers. *David E. Rattray*

Tags Coronavirus

Your support for The East Hampton Star helps us deliver the news, arts, and community information you need. Whether you are an online subscriber, get the paper in the mail, delivered to your door in Manhattan, or are just passing through, every reader counts. We value you for being part of The Star family.

Your subscription to The Star does more than get you great arts, news, sports, and outdoors stories. It makes everything we do possible.