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The governor has placed my province under MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine) from July 1 to July 15, 2020. This means that more lenient rules are in place giving people and businesses more freedom to move around and increase personal and economic activity. This also means that there the probability of catching the virus also increases.
Everyone is still expected to comply with the minimum public health standards at all times (wearing of face masks in public, frequent hand washing, physical distancing, foregoing non-essential travel, and staying at home).
All persons are allowed to go out of their residence now, provided that they follow the minimum public health standards. Public and private transportation are allowed while bicycles are endorsed and supported, which is kinda cool to know. Individual, group exercises and non-contact sports shall also be allowed.
A plan has been set in place for K-12 by the Department of Education and 50% capacity for public gatherings are allowed while full capacity to report for work in government offices are also allowed already.
2 CENTS
The increased mobility will help jump-start the struggling economic state of affairs. It is wise to keep in mind that, while the quarantine has been eased, we still do not have a vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus.
The though of going out is really exciting after months of being quarantined. This excitement, though completely welcome with open arms, with the freedom of movement, return to work, school for the kids, being able to exercise, eating out, riding a bike on EDSA (Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue) and just to simply go out of the house, must be exercised with extreme caution.
According to the official #covid-19 site, we have 41, 830 confirmed cases, 1,290 deaths and 11, 453 recoveries already. The numbers are rising and the most effective way of physically containing the virus is being removed to resolve another problem. Strict quarantine measures have helped us keep the numbers manageable, but with it's removal comes increased risks.
I've read in the news that the virus doesn't move people, people move the virus. So far, this has helped prevent the spread of the virus quickly. We need more time to figure out how to balance economic, social, religious and other activities with an effective way to contain the #coronavirus.
We can follow the guidelines set by the IATF (Inter-agency Task Force on emerging and infectious diseases) to reduce the chance of getting infected, but a better solution might be self-discipline and awareness.
At this time, I believe that the ball is as much in our hands as it is in the authorities to help preserve life. We all have our part in the task of preserving humanity however small it is. At this point in time, mine is to call for sobriety and kindness; that we can achieve big goals if we unite, keep our heads and not panic.
CONCLUSION
I'm really just rambling here, putting my thoughts about the situation into writing and trying to make sense of it all. But, make no mistake about it, COVID-19 is still here and wrecking havoc. Strengthening our immune system should not to be taken for granted because it might be our best defense to keep ourselves safe and healthy. I hope you get enough sleep and rest, eat a balanced diet, and exercise. Keeping away from booze and cigarettes might also help.
Hey, thanks for dropping by and reading up to here. Keep safe and stay healthy always!
Cheers! :)
