'No one here': San Francisco's once bustling Chinatown now empty on Christmas Day

Friday, December 25, 2020
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Eating in San Francisco's Chinatown is a tradition for many on Christmas but the pandemic has forced many restaurants to remain closed.

"It's def a change to see Chinatown go from people everywhere to having no one here," said Nicholas Yu who is visiting San Francisco.
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While Chinatown's markets remain open, most shops and restaurants are closed.

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Edward Siu is Chairman of the Chinatown Merchants United Association of San Francisco.

"Before the pandemic the business in Chinatown is really good business. They have a lot of restaurants opening on the holidays. Especially the holidays because a lot of visitors coming in," said Siu.



Visitors like David Lawler and his family.

Lawler's wife passed away from COVID-19 in November.

"We wanted to kind of keep a traditional life honoring her," said Lawler.

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"It's okay and being here is getting it out," said his son Jude Lawler.



For those restaurants still open, Siu says there are other challenges.

"Only two person- they work usually they have more than 10 people working but right now it's totally different," said Siu.

A totally different Christmas in so many ways with Chinatown struggling to see it through the pandemic and new year.

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