TULSA, Okla. — Tulsa's St. Patrick's Day weekend brings thousands of people into the downtown area every year, but not this year.
Due to the Coronavirus, this weekend entertainment and business venues are taking a hit.
"If this was a nicer day and the Corona thing wasn't going on, it would be insane," Al-Amoudi said. "People would be everywhere."
The weekend leading into St. Patrick's day is usually very busy.
Majda Al-Amoudi is the general manager of Max Retro Pub in downtown Tulsa.
"On Tuesday there are thousands and thousands on the streets," Al-Amoudi said. "I mean, it really is a good boost for us but it is a pretty hard blow not having the street parties."
She says they are taking the precautions because people bar hop on a Saturday night, she wishes things were like normal.
"With things getting canceled, as a district we are not going to be crazy as we normally would be," Al-Amoudi said. "That does kind of suck for the employees and for people who have to work and run the shows. But its not as bad as i thought it would be, it's people out still."
Al-Amoudi isn't the only Tulsan affected, John Doughtery is enjoying the night life tonight.
"Basically we figured that there is not really that big a scare going on," Doughtery said. "We decided to come out and see if there is anybody out trying to brave it."
Dougherty has a landscaping business, and is hearing from customers how it affects them.
"I've already heard from some of the facilities we take care of saying yea, we don't want people around," Doughtery said. "Nursing homes are saying hey, don't come in and out, so it's already affecting small businesses."
Derek Robinson was looking forward to this years start of the St. Patrick's day weekend but didn't know events were canceled until he arrived.
"Last year we came and their was like close to 100 thousand people," Robinson said. "They said that they closed because of the weather plus there was nobody there. I mean it was just probably about 10 people."
People we talked to say you should be safe, and not panic.
"I don't feel like there is a reason for people to be afraid," Robinson said. "I feel like if you just wash your hands, just practice safe hygiene. I really don't understand why the whole festival has to be shut down to be honest with you."
"Do basic stuff that you were taught since you were two," Doughtery said. "So that is kind of all that we've been doing."
"I mean of course as bartenders we have been washing our hands a lot more," Al-Amoudi said. "People are still wanting to have a good time."
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Apple and Android and Kindle devices.
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox. Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
