This week has been one piece of negative news after another. COVID-19 aka the Coronavirus, showed up the party and has been double-dipping on all of us from the get-go.

Schools are closed through at least April 13th.

Parades have been cancelled and festivals postponed until the fall (which is going to make October hella busy and kind of expensive if you’re a fest-goer).

Let’s not even talk about the people wiping out the grocery store like it’s hurricane season (we see you – shame, shame shame), leaving folks in true need unable to get the most basic of supplies.

With all of this negativity, what’s a true New Orleanian to do?

First of all, stay your behind home if you’re not well. Everyone’s attempts to keep things clean are for naught if you’re out there spreading your cooties around.

You’re feeling good as hell?

Then grab a to-go order from your favorite restaurant today. Tip BIG, because most of the employees don’t have a back-up plan in the event of a closure. It might make the difference between them being able to buy their own food or not.

VENMO or CashApp a tip to your regular bartender while you’re enjoying that cocktail at home.

Offer to babysit for a parent who doesn’t have a plan B for long-term school closures. And for heaven’s sake, have some empathy for parents who might have kids in tow at work. It might be the only way they can pay their rent next month.

Find an artist that you love and spend that Jazz Fest money on a truly local piece of art, instead of buying something from those out of owners who flood in for the Fest.

Offer to pick up necessities for your elderly neighbor who shouldn’t be leaving the house at all right now.

Donate some of the 1,743 rolls of toilet paper you bought to a friend that hasn’t been able to find any at the store. Y

Listen to the guidance from city officials. When they say don’t gather in large crowds, don’t do it. You may be putting everyone around you at risk, because you could be a carrier with no symptoms.

OK, bossy pants, so what are you doing?

Here at Crescent City Living, we have closed our office to the public and our agents are working remotely to avoid as much contact as possible.

We’ve cancelled all open houses for the foreseeable future and are required a pre-approval letter or proof you have cash on hand before making any showing appointments.

Agents are holding video and FaceTime tours for buyers that need a home but might be a little nervous about going in and out of a bunch of properties.

We’re definitely not shaking hands or hugging anyone. Jazz hands? Spock fingers? A friendly wave? All of those work just as well.

This is not fun, but it’s incumbent on each of us to do everything we can to flatten the curve on COVID-19 spread, while still serving our clients to the best of our ability.

Have questions? Our agents have answers. Drop them an email or text message for assistance.