Where Billionaires Hide From Coronavirus

PolyMatter

Sponsor Introduction

February 29, 2020: First coronavirus death reported in US
Less than 1 month: US became most infected country globally
- Surpassed Italy, then China
Two distinct pandemic experiences:
- Northeast: Visceral, horrifying reality with vigilant atmosphere
- Outside Northeast Corridor: Different pandemic focused on job/lifestyle losses
Geographic divisions in virus spread created divided reactions to restrictions

50 million Americans filed for unemployment since March
- Records not seen since Great Depression
US billionaires' net worth grew ~20% during same period
Dozen billionaires doubled their wealth
Two groups emerged:
- Those who lost work/school/livelihoods
- Those who treated lockdown as vacation

Private jet companies inundated with requests
Safety comparison:
- Regular passenger flights: 270 person-to-person interactions
- Private flights: Less than 20 interactions

"Pandemic tourists" seeking three criteria:
- Coronavirus under control
- Isolated location avoiding outbreaks
- Countries allowing entry
Problem: Countries meeting first two criteria avoided third
Most countries closed borders early, unwilling to undo progress
Italy example: Denied entry to 5 US citizens on private jet from Colorado

February 3: Borders closed to foreigners from mainland China (14-day restriction)
February 27: Extended ban to Italy, Iran, parts of South Korea
March 18: Canceled cruise stops, international events, government travel
March 21: First confirmed case (Fiji Airways flight attendant from San Francisco/Oakland)
Early March: First Pacific island with WHO-certified testing lab
Fourth Pacific country capable of COVID-19 testing
End of March: Main international airport closed
Military-enforced curfew: 10 PM - 5 AM

78 days between 18th and 19th cases
July 2020 statistics:
- Population: 883,000 across 300 islands
- Total infections: 21 cases
- 100% recovery rate
- Recent cases from returning locals in quarantine

Different country approaches:
- Cuba: Divided country, visitors only in designated resort areas
- Hawaii: Skip 2-week quarantine with negative test 72 hours before arrival
- Fiji: "Blue Lanes" program for wealthy visitors

Australian visitors (largest source - under 50% of total):
- $116 USD per person per day
- $1,039 per trip average
Cruise ship passengers: $44 per port of call
Yacht arrivals: $3,615 average stay
Yachting industry contribution: $28 million annually to Fiji
Cruise industry contribution: $44 million annually
Risk comparison:
- Cruise ships: 239,000 passengers/year exposure
- Yachts: 4,473 passengers/year exposure
- Yachts bring ~2% infection risk of cruise ships while contributing 63% economic value

Allows billionaires to bypass coronavirus border restrictions
Requirements for yacht entry:
- 14+ days at sea journey OR make up time in quarantine
- Negative test result proof
- Symptom screening upon arrival
Example: Sydney arrival after 8 days at sea = 6 days paid quarantine
Then allowed to roam country/hide on private islands

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