TAMPA, Fla. — Despite there not being a single case of the coronavirus reported anywhere in Tampa Bay or Florida for that matter, many Asian-owned businesses locally are seeing a significant drop in customers. 

"I personally don't really understand," said Sharon Wang, owner of Fushia Asian Bistro in Tampa.

"Maybe I think people are afraid because we are Chinese and even though we're American Chinese, people don't think."

Wang says not thinking is leading to a quiet fear that somehow just because a local restaurant happens to be run by Chinese Americans, that it has a direct line to the outbreak of the virus a half a world away.

"We are just typical average people," Wang said, "We are trying to make a living. We do what we are supposed to do. We do our best to serve the community. So there's nothing to be afraid of."

Customers showing up to eat at Fushia Asian Bistro say they don't understand the fear.

"Honestly doesn't make sense to me," said customer Asha Reyes. "I feel like it's kind of a narrow viewpoint. I would say, unless you don't like Chinese food, you are missing out for no good reason at all."