Contagion

Local news about the novel coronavirus in Hawai’i finally burst forth today. Of particular interest was the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the tourist industry. The situation is obviously heating up and suppression of the news has become difficult.

In addition, the State government has announced that it will begin “surveillance testing” for the novel coronavirus. The State’s own laboratory will be randomly testing 200 patient samples per week collected for influenza that come back negative for the flu. Tests confirmed positive for COVID-19 will be flagged, and the affected individuals will be notified. While the move may seem proactive, the efficacy is questionable.

Many people in Hawai’i are employed at two or three wage slave jobs just to survive. Those jobs are mostly in the tourist sector (i.e., hotels, retail, restaurants, transportation) and often do not offer paid sick leave or full medical coverage. Missed days could result in termination. They are at high risk for exposure to the novel coronavirus, but unlikely to submit voluntarily for a medical examination. Heck, once the full impact of the coronavirus crisis is felt, they will lose their jobs anyway.

Kuhio Avenue

In the meantime, the local effects of the coronavirus on the sole driver of the economic engine of Hawai’i is obvious. A quick look at Kuhio Avenue at 5:30pm this afternoon tells all. The debacle is really just beginning. Worldwide, with the exception of the People’s Republic of China, the response has been slow and mediocre at best. There’s little doubt that the World Health Organization (WHO) will soon have to declare a pandemic.

Norelco® Shaver

All in all, the secular Apocalypse is probably here now. Many of us will die, if the pandemic cannot be contained. With that said, a new Norelco® rechargeable electric shaver was procured for $27 on sale at Longs® this evening. The old $9 electric razor could “conk out” at any time, and there’s no telling what the global supply chain will be like in the near future. After all, everything is made in China. Then, a pint of ice cream was procured at Target® to cap off the celebration. Cheers!