Douglas County residents Bob and Linda Karcz strolled through a quiet downtown Castle Rock the morning of March 25 as news broke that the local health department was issuing a stay-at-home order for residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple were unsure of all requirements under such directives, which they did not yet know had been formally issued but was expected. Could they still take walks, they wondered? (The Tri-County Health Department’s order allowed people to exercise outside as long as they follow social-distancing standards. Tri-County’s order was later rescinded in favor of a very similar state order.)

Similar orders now in place across most the Denver metro area are but one way the pandemic is affecting daily life. Earlier that morning, around 7 a.m., the Karczs stood in line at King Soopers to buy groceries. This time the grocery store enforced the special hours reserved for seniors, despite some younger people attempting to enter, the couple said.

Both are retired and spending their days amid the outbreak keeping up hobbies. Bob is a nature photographer and Linda works with her animals. The possibility of catching the virus concerns Linda some because of their age but Bob feels reassured knowing they are both generally healthy.

Bob said they are comfortable with a stay-at-home order, but he hopes life returns to normal by Easter. They miss their family and attending their grandchildren’s activities, Linda said.

“You’ve just got to take it a week at a time,” Bob said.