HOW LIFE HAS CHANGED DUE TO COVID-19

Annabella S. David

One thing that is certain, we know that adjusting to change can be challenging. Be it planned or unplanned, gradual or sudden, change is inevitable and very much part of being human. Over the past few months, we’ve experienced an unprecedented shift in our way of life due to COVID-19. Pre-pandemic, who would’ve thought that toilet paper could become as precious as gold! And now, a trip to do a weekly grocery shop seems like an adventure of its own! Before we know it, we’ve (reluctantly) let go of our old normal and now settling into what seems to be our new normal. Even when society starts up again, there will still be restrictions and we are facing fundamental shifts to our way of life. So, what does a New Normal look like? Here are some thoughts (and realities) below; with tips on how to adjust to the New Normal to follow. Masks and gloves may be commonplace, depending on where in the world you live. Queuing is now the norm, be it when visiting health professionals, going to the shops, or even getting in a lift. Public transport looks very different, with social distancing in place and commuters wearing masks and gloves. We do a double-take when we hear someone cough, sneeze, or sniffle. We’ve been conditioned these past few months to be hypervigilant for these symptoms, but hopefully this might also mean that higher standards of hand and personal hygiene will continue. We’ll start to holiday more in our own backyards due to travel restrictions, which can only be a good thing for local economies as they cope with the decline in overseas and interstate tourist numbers. The small things that make up our community have changed. Education as we know it has change. Schools and universities have moved online, some blending face-to-face with online lectures. Universities around the world are feeling the impact from the absence of International Students. Conferences will be paused, and international collaborations and sabbaticals now look very different to previous years. Work has also change due to social distancing. So many of us shifted to working from home to minimize travelling on public transport and gathering in groups at the office. Zoom meetings even became our New Normal. With restrictions easing, we may cautiously rotate back into working at the office in shifts, or embrace working from home on a more regular basis. Social distancing, social distancing, social distancing. No more packing in large crowds have said goodbye (for now) to attending concerts, plays, movies, festivals, museums, etc., but hopefully they are able to return soon. Not seeing loved ones…for their benefit. Elderly parents and grandparents, pregnant friends or new parents, or those with health conditions that render them more vulnerable to coronavirus - we’re staying away to keep them safe.

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The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School, Division of City of San

Fernando, (P)