The next six weeks

The most noticeable difference was the silence. Literally overnight, the taho and pan de sal vendors no longer sold their products. Tricycles were nowhere to be found. The daily sound of cars starting as people went to work was absent.

We are coming soon to the second year “anniversary” of the first Covid pandemic lockdown. Nothing was the same as pre-covid for this period, and some things will not be the same moving forward.

While it is not exactly a time for celebration, there is no doubt that the “Pandemic of 2020/2021” is not the Covid of 2022. We started this new year with the number of Covid cases literally skyrocketing as the weekly case count nearly doubled anything we had seen in the past. There is also no doubt that the official case count was perhaps even grossly understated but not through any fault of government.

Everyone we know either had or knew someone who had the symptoms —headache, body ache, fever, and sore throat—but who did not get tested as these lasted only a few days. Whole families became sick one after the other. Companies and government agencies reported mass numbers of employees who were too sick to come to work.

According to global data aggregators, active cases in the Philippines peaked about a week ago and are slowly declining. The Department of Health reports that nationwide occupancy of Covid care facilities is at 49 percent, while the National Capital Region is at 40 percent.

Nonetheless, at least a one-month favorable trend is still in place, and we all hope it will continue. But we need to start thinking “post-pandemic” to be ready. The Department of Transportation’s “no vaccine, no ride” policy in public transportation is a clear reminder that caution must be balanced with common sense and policies need to be well-thought out.

First the travel ban was absolute. Then it was changed to allow “exceptions for those who work in essential industries.” The broad definition of “essential industries” became any business allowed to operate. Now we are told that while the ban is necessary “to preserve safe travel,” “only the fully vaccinated may ride public transport in Metro Manila after February 25.”

Apparently, the contagion of the virus is on partial hold until the end of the month.

Let’s hope that by March 15th, the “global pandemic” will become “endemic.” Most leading immunologists believe Covid-19 will become endemic—a persistent but manageable threat on par with seasonal flu.

We must now move towards “best-case” scenario to be ready regardless of what the presidentiables say during their campaigns.

The greatest problem that we will have—“we” the people—is adjusting to not being afraid. It is likely that personal choice mask wearing and distancing will continue. Both have become a habit. But it is unhealthy to hold unwarranted fears. The average “death count” is currently below where it was in August 2020.

We must return to normal schooling albeit gradually. The current situation is unacceptable. Philippine education has enough deficiencies without this miscarriage of “home schooling.” If we are at war with Covid, then Department of Education must have a comprehensive battle plan and not simply react to changes in the disease outlook. Contingencies must be ready.

In fact, every government department must do the same for their area of concern.

Finally, and this is the most difficult part, stop making the pandemic a political issue. Say it loudly: “Government made mistakes, many mistakes.” Stop telling the people what should have been done 12 to 18 months ago. Start with ideas for the next 12 months that preferably do not include massive money giveaways that will never happen.