Under the order issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom on March 19, seeking to control the spread of the coronavirus, workers in nonessential businesses across the state have been ordered to stay home. Since then, we have all felt the eerie calm descend on our streets. But businesses and agencies deemed critical remain open, including those that provide food, medicine, transportation and other basic services. For workers in these fields, the simple act of coming to work has become a heroic act that carries the danger of exposure to the virus. These people put themselves at risk to keep our society running.
Lorenzo Hudson lives in Richmond and is an ambassador for the Salesforce Transit Center’s rooftop park near downtown San Francisco. “People can still come up here and enjoy the park,” he said. “I make sure people keep their distance, and I can answer questions about all the plants and the history of the park.” 
Saul Ramirez is a traffic controller for Bay Area Traffic Solutions, which provides traffic control for contractors working in and around roadways. “Yes, of course I worry about getting sick, but I am careful,” he said. “My job is to keep the street safe, and that’s important.” 
Frank Melis is a wine merchant who owns Golden Gate Wine Cellars in San Francisco. “I have three full- and one part-time employees,” he said, “but I am paying them to stay home, where they are safer. But I still come to work for shipping and curbside delivery. At a time like this, a glass of wine can be very important.” 
John Woo is a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. “I come to work because this is our job,” he said. “You know the saying: ‘The mail must go through.'” 
Jota Sing manages a 7-11 store in San Francisco. “I am OK here, I take precautions,” he said, “and it makes me happy to help people. Sometimes, when people come in with no money, I give them something they can eat.” 
Patrick Guillis is a supervisor for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. “It’s hard getting passengers to keep a safe distance from each other and from employees,” he said. “Of course, I worry about my safety, but I come to work every day. We have to keep things running.”