Auwe!

So far, the daily increase in the number of people testing positive for the novel coronavirus in Hawai’i remains linear (about 20 or so new cases per day). Daily totals:

• March 27 - 120
• March 28 - 151
• March 29 - 175
• March 30 - 204

The increase in new cases appears to be proportional to the number of outstanding administered tests. The total number of cases is suspiciously low given the elapsed time since the diagnosis of “Patient One” on March 6th.

There are probably numerous clusters of people who are silently self-treating for the disease with over-the-counter flu medication, all the while infecting family members and others. The discovery of these hotspots will only come about when the infected ones become ill enough to check into a hospital emergency room. The longer they wait, the likelihood of a super-surge of new cases becomes imminent. Worst yet, how many infected people are out in public and are asymptomatic?

The police have been issuing citations to people who are in violation of the “lockdown” mandate. Two people were arrested as well. From all indications, the incidents involved homeless perpetrators. Obviously, the police should be aware that the homeless cannot “stay at home.” Nonetheless, many precautions have been taken to remain incognito during the various daily outings. The bus is used extensively to travel between locations. Walking (the only exercise now available) is accomplished inside the International Marketplace (with the free wireless hotspot as a perk).

The “lockdown” has caused nearly all of the hotels in Waikiki to temporarily shut down. Restaurants and fast food joints are also shutting down, too, which now is leading to a perilous situation for people who do not cook at home. Personally, there are now few dining options remaining. Once again, the survival plans must be modified.

The Institute of Hair Design has shut down. So, all hair salons and barber shops are most likely closed, too. Where are people going get their haircuts? What will they look like when the “lockdown” is rescinded? Looks like a cheap pair of hair clippers will need to be procured. Sheesh!

A chance encounter with the formerly-homeless buddy in town on Saturday morning allowed for an interchange of personal news. The formerly-homeless buddy mentioned that he spent $800 on food, obviously hoarding. He still offered to share his place at the “old folks home” in Waialua for free, if needed.

Spotify® has become somewhat essential in tolerating the increasing hours spent in the tomb at the “old folks home” in Waikiki due to the “lockdown.” There has been absolutely NO temptation to purchase a big-ass OLED widescreen tube, binge on junk food, or drop back huge quantities of alcoholic beverages. Well, not yet, anyway.