“Coping up with a pandemic”
Michelle G. Hipolito
We are currently living out what possibly might be the worst threat in our lifetime, in a global scale. COVID-19 has brought about serious challenges to mankind and has exposed numerous vulnerabilities to everyone across the globe. As these are unchartered waters, everyone is struggling to keep up with all the necessary changes within their immediate communities and households to ensure the safety of their loved ones.
While we have technology and mass media to thank for in providing useful information on how to avoid contracting the virus, experts are still continuously looking for better ways to handle the pandemic. It is also important for each individual to be as cautious as possible and be considerate with their surroundings. Most of the things that we were all used to doing prior to the spread of pandemic may or may not return to normal. As we all call it, the “New Normal” is in place and all we can do is be patient and be responsible now more than ever.
In relation to government protocols, physical distancing is one of the most important factors especially when outdoors. Avoid any unnecessary travelling – our leisure can wait, regular catch ups with friends can be rescheduled, or better yet, go virtual. Most restrictions are relaxed to uplift the national economy, it is not an excuse to be careless in keeping ourselves, and our families safe. A vaccine is in the works, this has been the case for months now, however, until such time that one is widely available to the public, there is no guarantee as to when we can safely “go back to normal”. It is our responsibility as citizens to take these precautions to heart and follow them religiously.
Yes, we miss travelling, we miss catching up with friends, we miss dining out with the family, however, given what we’re all dealing with currently, it is better to be stuck at home safe rather than go out, be irresponsible, and face the possibility of contracting the virus. There is no clear answer as to how we get through this unscathed, what’s critical is how we deal with the pandemic in a responsible, considerate manner.
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The author is from Escaler Elementary School, Escaler, Magalang, Pampanga