The novel coronavirus called covid-19 has been spreading throughout the world since the beginning of the year. The virus was originally identified in China but then spread to other parts of Asia, the USA, the UK, and Europe. Covid-19 is a serious illness causing flu-like symptoms but in some cases even death.
The cases here in the United States have increased dramatically. The CDC website reports over 33,000 cases in the US at the time of this writing. As a result, many restaurants and bars across the nation have closed down.
Likewise, the same has happened in Hawaii.
Business Closures
Bars, restaurants, nightclubs, gyms, libraries, theaters, have all shut their doors. Also, any iconic tourist attractions have closed. Places like Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Iolani Palace, Polynesian Cultural Center, and more, are no longer open for business. All state parks and beaches have closed.
However, grocery stores and drug stores are still open. And any restaurant that has pickup or delivery services available will remain open.
Travel to Hawaii
If you have travel plans to Hawaii anytime soon, you should know the status of the current situation.
On March 18, Governor Ige asked all visitors coming within the next 30 days to re-schedule their trips.
On March 21, Governor Ige issued a 14-day quarantine for any new arrivals to begin on Thursday, March 26, 2020.
Unfortunately, both of these will halt travel to Hawaii. Several hotels have already closed as a result. But this is an attempt to minimize the spread of the covid-19 virus.
Additionally, on March 22, Mayor Caldwell issued a stay-at-home order for all residents and visitors currently on the island of Oahu, to begin March 23rd until April 30, 2020.
Plans at Polynesian Hostel
Currently, the Polynesian Hostel remains open. We have few guests here at the moment, but it’s our commitment to ensure they continue to enjoy themselves despite the current crisis situation.
The staff and management at Polynesian Hostel remain confident the covid-19 virus will soon be under control so that our beautiful islands can be enjoyed freely once again.
Of course, we’re making it easy to change or cancel reservations. Our normal cancellation policy is being waived during this time of volatility. If you have plans to visit us over the next month or so, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us so that we can adjust your reservation as necessary.
You can contact us by phone at 808-922-1340 or by email at moc.liamgnull@letsohnaisenylop.
Be safe and stay healthy. And we hope to see you very soon once this crisis situation has passed.
Image By: PBS Hawaii
