As the novel COVID-19 virus continues to upend the lives of many, Portland Monthly has been trying to cover the outbreak with up-to-date information and honest insight. From our daily roundup of what Oregonians need to know on any given day to the effect coronavirus is having on small businesses, a conversation with OSU professor Regan Gurung about how communication and patience will help us navigate this crisis to a profile on the Oregon doctor who sent a letter to Vice President Mike Pence that now has more than 5,000 signatures of medical professionals, we're trying to cover the crisis from all angles.

In this feature, we ask Portland performers, medical professionals, grocery store employees, an Uber driver, a comedian, and so many more people, a few questions: How has life changed for you and your profession? What's quarantine been like for you? And, of course, how are you coping?

In This Feature:

Masks. Distancing. How Does a Facepainter Meet a Pandemic?

With outdoor events canceled and birthday parties feeling too risky, Mystique’s Fancy Faces owner Celese Williams is sharing her craft online.

07/31/2020 By Margaret Seiler

A Portland-Raised Podcaster Talks Hunkering Down with Her Parents

Sarah Marshall, co-host of the popular You're Wrong About podcast, talks growing up in Portland, boomers, and podcasting from her bedroom.

07/15/2020 By Eden Dawn

Timbers Star Diego Valeri on Keeping Fit in Quarantine

The team captain talks about staying game-ready, his coaching license, and whether he'd consider a coaching job in Portland.

07/13/2020 By Marty Patail

This LaurelThirst Co-Owner Has Swapped Pub Life for a Grocery Delivery Van

Musicians know how to show up on time, says Lewi Longmire, and they definitely know how to pack a van.

05/25/2020 By Margaret Seiler

After a Health Scare, This Portland Tailor Is Sewing Again

‘When you sew, you can always find some work, even in the worst pandemics,’ says Earl Marson.

05/22/2020 By Margaret Seiler

A Local Therapist Talks Calming Nerves in the Age of COVID

Regina Tricamo is just as scared as her clients right now. So how does she manage to bring them comfort?

04/13/2020 By Conner Reed

This Blues Guitarist Feels Lucky to Have Family, a Pension, and Bacon Bread

Taking a forced break from performing, Norman Sylvester is sharing music and doing push-ups at 74.

04/11/2020 By Margaret Seiler

A Portland Public School Teacher (and Award-Winning Graphic Novelist) on Being There for His Students Onscreen

Aron Nels Steinke talks virtual education and how to support your local indie bookstore.

04/09/2020 By Julia Silverman

For the DJs at KMHD Jazz Radio, the Show Must Go On

Creating his shows in a home studio, Derek Smith says listeners can still count on the station for uplift and hope.

04/07/2020 By Margaret Seiler

This Portland Thorn Played through Australia’s Fires. Then the US Soccer Season Got Put on Hold.

The only teammates Simone Charley has seen so far this year are her two roommates.

04/04/2020 By Margaret Seiler

A Portland Comedian on How Coronavirus is Shaping the Comedy Landscape

Shain Brenden says he and other comedians have had to "adjust accordingly." But that doesn't mean it's not a little bit funny.

04/01/2020 By Gabriel Granillo

A Portland Family Doctor Talks Protocols and Patient Treatment Under Coronavirus

Crystal Query treats patients at a Northeast Portland clinic, which has had to make major changes in the ever changing landscape of a global pandemic.

03/20/2020 By Fiona McCann

A Portland Performer Discusses the State of the Arts Under Coronavirus

John Ellingson is the associate artistic director at Northwest Children's Theater and father to a 1-year-old daughter. In the face of a global pandemic, he's...

03/20/2020 By Conner Reed