While the world holds its breath, reality infects the people of Las Vegas with the truth that we are in the grasp of a pandemic. What once was a passing thought of bad luck for a town in China across the world dealing with a virus that sounds more like an adult beverage, is now a great fear. Our hometown, a showy 24-hour city, has gone dark.

Nevada is officially in a State of Emergency, and on Tuesday evening Governor Steve Sisolak ordered the closure of all non-essential businesses, which includes all casinos.

Workers are ordered to stay home, and the city cashes out. Only a handful of stranded tourists, homeless population and journalists remain on Las Vegas’ most famous 4 miles of road. The following photos were shot on Day 1 of the governor’s order.

Ronda Churchill is a freelance photojournalist available for hire worldwide. You can follow her on Instagram @rondachurchill