It has now been one week of self-isolation and it being a beautiful day, I decided to escape the confines of my apartment to take a walk.
As I walked past St. Andrew’s Cathedral, I was struck by the sight of absolutely no cars in the parking lot, something I have never seen before, especially not on a Sunday morning!
Absolutely no cars anywhere! Even during the weekdays, cars are parked here for people who work downtown, so to see the empty lot was extremely unusual.
Although the Cathedral was closed, there was a live-streamed Morning Prayer service. Also on the website, the closing date has been extended to April 30, 2020.
Stop sign at the entrance to the grass parking lot.
No one is around Parke Chapel.
Here is the sign on the door of Our Lady of Peace (R.C.) Cathedral. Live-streamed services are available at HICTV.com
Back on Punahou Street, a non-Communion service was live-streamed with organ and a mini-choir, standing comfortably “socially distant.” You can see the service bulletin here.
In the building where I live, it is impossible to “socially distance,” in spite of the management covering the elevator buttons with a plastic sheet. With the relatively small size of the elevator, there’s no way to be 6′ away from any other passenger. Luckily there is less elevator traffic, with everyone staying in.
I guess they thought the elevator buttons could be cleaned easier if there was a plastic covering. I have taken to pushing the buttons with my key fob rather than with my finger.
Interior doors to the parking lot are left open to eliminate door handles being constantly touched.The gym is closed, as are other common recreational areas.
When I returned from my walk, I saw a full rainbow, portending perhaps a glimmer of hope? (Don’t get too excited—in Hawaii, we see rainbows nearly every day, but few have a full arc one like this.)
I am so, so lucky that I have an organ to play at home!
Thanks for the update! jb