It’s been eight months now since the Philippine government declared community quarantine all over the country due to Covid-19. As we have all seen and heard, this dreadful disease has affected and even claimed many lives.
Since March, all our movements have been limited because of lockdown restrictions imposed by every LGU (local government unit) in the hope that the spread of the virus will be stopped
Because of this, many business establishments have shut down. Even some restaurants in malls, popular home grown restaurants and boutiques had to close due to the lock down.
What usually remains open to the public (on all levels of community quarantine) are the supermarkets, public markets, bakeries and stores that sell necessary stuff for the home.
Obviously, this crazy pandemic has been restraining us from doing the activities, routine and work that we used to do.
I thought of listing down some things I miss doing in this time of pandemic and how I deal with it. Who knows, we might share the same sentiments, right?
1. GOING OUT FREELY
The IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) has set guidelines and safety protocols which our LGU’s follow as we are still on community quarantine.
I miss having to go out freely without the worry of being contaminated by this killer virus. Whenever I go out now, I make a conscious effort not to stay in the mall longer than necessary. Well, it’s also a good thing that malls like SM Supermalls observe strict safety protocols upon entering and even when you’re inside the vicinity. You know that they are doing their part in maintaining cleanliness and disinfecting the premises.
Oops, but let’s also do our share in helping them by covering our mouths when coughing or sneezing and always cleaning our hands by washing with soap and water or with alcohol.
2. DINING OUT AND MEET UPS
At this time restaurants are strictly observing restrictions for dining in. Most of the restos in the metro are only accepting 50% dine-in capacity while some have shut down either temporarily or until this pandemic is over. I love dining out and this is what I really miss doing! I’m glad that restaurants have opened longer counter hours for take out and delivery until everything goes back to normal.
Oh yes, we can chat with our friends on social media, but nothing beats having long talks and hearing each other‘s voices, laughing your hearts out- up close.
3. TRAVEL LIGHT
Many throwback travel photos are now being posted on social media. Perhaps, it shows how most people miss traveling. When I say travel, it doesn’t necessarily mean having to go abroad, it means just traveling either within the province, going to Manila or to visit places in the country. While the pandemic is still a huge threat to us all, travel will remain the least of people’s priorities until such time when we can break free from the virus and be able to travel far and light again.
4. MASK AND FACE SHIELD FREE
I put on my make up whenever I go out. Obviously. that’s one thing I can no longer do since wearing of masks and face shields is strictly implemented. Yes, I feel protected wearing a mask especially in public places but I’m not so comfy with the face shield though. Since we are law abiding citizens, we have no choice but wear both until the pandemic saga ends.
5. TOUCH AND FEEL
One of the safety protocols that we should follow is social distancing. That means staying a few feet apart from another person especially in public places and even with your family members. Filipinos are known for being warm and hospitable. We love to make chika-chika, give hugs, shake hands and pat each other. It’s unfortunate that because of Covid-19, we are restrained to show these gestures. Oh, we can always let the people we care for know that we appreciate them by verbalizing and showing them that we care through other love languages. Good thing, there are telecommunication companies like Globe Telecom that provide us with internet and telephone services. This is what we need at this time, to be in touch with what is going on around us.
I hope this pandemic will end soon. Let’s pray that vaccines will be available for everyone the soonest possible time. (Photo source: Facebook)
How about you, what are the things you miss doing and you’d love to do when this crazy time is over?