Huge changes in the state and the university as pretty much all schools, bars, clubs, theaters, restaurants, and non-esssential businessess are closed to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 19, all elective surgeries were canceled at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and James Cancer Hospital to conserve resources for the anticipated flood of patients. On March 20, visitors were banned to protect patients and staff from the disease. Subesequently, daily temperature checks and masking in public places were instituted for all staff.

March 30, 2020- It's not all horrible. New color-changing fountain was installed in Mirror Lake over Spring Break. Too bad there are no students or faculty around to enjoy it.

Hand sanitizer and toilet paper were hoarded early on and have been scarce to unavailable during most of the COVID-19 crisis.

Despite state-mandated limits on gatherings and constant warnings about social distancing, many students have continued to hold parties during the pandemic. On a quarantine Friday or Saturday night, there's still plenty of beer pong being played.

A hopeful message on the marquee of the pandemic-shuttered Newport Music Hall, 1722 N High.

A rainy Spring night in 2020 at Mirror Lake.

Signs of the times around the neighborhood in a plague spring.

William Oxley looks out on a mostly vacant Oval on the first warm day of Spring in The Year of the Plague.

April 8, 2020- ER at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center getting ready for the anticipated surge of COVID-19 admissions. So far aggressive closures and social distancing have kept hospitals from being overwhelmed. And, yes, it's called the Abercrombie & Fitch Emergency Dept.

April 17, 2020- Impromptu murals celebrating medical workers at the entrance to Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

April 20, 2020- Masks now mandatory for COTA riders.