Oahu During Covid-19 Quarantine
A look at the island of Oahu during the Covid-19 quarantine
Exactly one month ago Gov. David Ige signed a proclamation that ordered the entire state to stay at home in lieu of the current COVID-19/Coronavirus outbreak that has hit the United States. This was set in place to flatten the curve of COVID-19 within the islands. There were a few exceptions that allowed essential workers to continue to work but many in the service and tourism industry have found themselves to be out of work. The island quarantine allows for grocery shopping, errands or activities (essential to the health and safety of individuals or pets), and outdoor exercise that complies with social distancing rules. This order which was initially supposed to end on April 30th has since been extended to May 30th.
Since our State relies on tourism, it has been interesting having visitors during this time. With all out-of-island visitors, the state requires a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine and they are quite strict about it. The news has frequently reported and announced the public’s help in finding tourists who break the 14-day self-quarantine rule. For many locals, they are skeptical of tourists who try to come to Oahu and for a duration of 14 days or less, as we all know that no one comes to Hawaii to just stay inside a hotel room for the duration of one’s trip.
One unique aspect of the quarantine is the fact that popular areas across the island now look like ghost towns and provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the island in an eerie empty state. Below are a few images of some popular island spots to tourists and locals alike.
The quarantine has also severely impacted shopping malls, eateries, and small local businesses that don’t fall under the “essential workers list.” Our Oahu Real Estate market has slowed down a bit in certain areas (high-end luxury real estate and vacation rentals) but entry-point homes for condos and single-family homes have remained strong and still have competition among buyers. as many have had to close or change to a take-out only establishment. Below is a look at Kahala Mall and the Ala Moana Shopping Center.
Hopefully, things get better for the State, and Hawaii can soon reopen. Until then, I hope everyone stays safe and happy during these strange times. Aloha!
