It didn’t take long for the jokes to start.
And the locals from the city of Corona in California laughed along at first.
But as the impact of the coronavirus intensifies, their mild amusement is giving way to a genuine fear – of civil unrest.
For in Corona – population 168,138 – just like in many other towns and cities in California and across the whole of the United States there has been panic buying, not of toilet roll but of guns and ammunition.
Three coronavirus deaths have already been reported in the local area, where residents live in manicured, planned communities and gated homes. Ppeople are pictured lining up outside a gun store waiting for it to open
Gun racks have been stripped as bare as the supermarket aisles in Britain. And in the queue in Corona outside Turner’s gun store last week were many people who have never considered owning a firearm before.
Men such as Sean Rodriguez, 48, a sales manager, who felt compelled to arm himself after his eldest daughter called him in tears when robbers, posing as utility workers, entered her home and raided her fridge at gunpoint, seizing difficult-to-obtain groceries.
‘When it hits you at home, you can change your mind very quickly,’ he says.
Mr Rodriguez is disappointed in President Trump, for whom he voted. ‘I think the response is too late. This coronavirus is worse than terrorism. We need to be proactive, not reactive. The States should lead the way, not follow.’
In California, where it is predicted 56 per cent of the population will be infected with the virus, Governor Gavin Newsom has ordered the state’s 40 million residents to stay at home except for essential trips.
Newsom also banned gatherings of more than ten people, forcing the owner of Turner’s to disperse the queue outside his store.
It didn’t take long for the jokes to start. And the locals from the city of Corona in California laughed along at first. But as the impact of the coronavirus intensifies, their mild amusement is giving way to a genuine fear – of civil unrest
Civil unrest – and not fear of death – is clearly on everyone’s mind.
At another gunsmith, Al’s Guns & Gear, many customers were turned away empty-handed following unprecedented demand.
But Ryan Lopez, 42, managed to order spare parts for his sizeable gun collection.
‘There aren’t enough police to protect us for what lies ahead so I’m just happy that all my family are armed and know how to shoot,’ he says, adding that even his seven-year-old daughter is an excellent markswoman.
Mr Lopez sees the corona¬virus crisis as a watershed moment for the pro-gun lobby. ‘I don’t like to say “Told you so”, but right now it’s all about self-reliance and knowing how to protect ourselves.
‘Kids today are taught that guns are bad so I’m constantly having to explain to my daughter that it’s good for people to have guns.’
Mr Lopez has been spending more time at his local range, which he says is now so busy ‘it sounds like a war zone’.
Standing nearby, another gun shopper adds: ‘Food and ammo, that’s the name of the game right now.’
It is a sentiment echoed in the numerous lawn and car placards declaring: ‘TRUMP: God, Guns and Country.’
Just 47 miles south-east of Los Angeles, Corona was once dubbed the lemon capital of the world.
The citrus trees are long gone now, but it’s still an affluent town with 800 businesses.
Big brands such as Monster energy drinks, Fender guitars and Lucas Oil are all based here.
Corona is Spanish for ‘crown’ and the town was actually named after its circular boulevard where international car races were once held.
Three coronavirus deaths have already been reported in the local area, where residents live in manicured, planned communities and gated homes.
Phyllis Snyder, Corona Regional Medical Center’s chief nursing officer, believes that she is well prepared for the coming weeks, having begun planning back in January.
Hers is the only local medical facility offering coronavirus testing, and she points to the empty emergency medical tenting outside the hospital’s Emergency Room, saying: ‘We have 24 PAPR masks [Powered Air Purifying Masks] and about 400 test kits. We are cautiously screening patients before offering testing.’
In California, where it is predicted 56 per cent of the population will be infected with the virus, Governor Gavin Newsom (above) has ordered the state’s 40 million residents to stay at home except for essential trips
Across town, Anita Villasenor, 37, wants to pay her water bill but Corona City Hall is temporarily closed to the public.
She’s a breast cancer survivor, but the cancer has spread to her collarbone. She knows she’s considered an ‘at risk’ member of the
community with ongoing out¬patient visits, yet she refuses to wear a mask.
‘I really don’t see any point in the mask. We’ve already been told they aren’t effective.’
Having recently put her house up for sale, this long-time Corona resident says she has already had enough.
She adds: ‘Last week some lady in the local Walmart took a swing at me over a case of bottled water. It’s a crazy world when people are fighting over food.’
Staff at the local Corona Rose florists are seeing a small downturn in business, but they don’t imagine shutting up shop. Worker Julie Elstner says: ‘People will always need flowers for funerals.’
And that, these days, really isn’t something to joke about.