Empty parking lots and closed businesses are now the new normal in South Whitehall Township and around the Lehigh Valley.

Except for essential businesses, such as grocery stores, gas stations and hardware stores, stores are closed.

A trip to Tilghman Square, at the junction of Tilghman Street, Broadway and Cetronia Road, revealed the extent of the closures.

Additionally, Crest Plaza at North Cedar Crest Boulevard and Walbert Avenue, was busy with shoppers only at Weis Market and Target.

The state run Wine and Spirits shop was closed, as well as many other small businesses in the plaza.

One could get food to go from various restaurants with call ahead ordering and curbside pickup.