ECQ From the POV of a Young Adult

By Andre Johann L. Ralota

We came into 2020 expecting a smooth year, similar to that of 2019. We created plans, goals and resolutions hoping that we can fulfill our desires and enjoy this year freely. However, the sudden pandemic, COVID-19, took away or postponed those plans. Instead of going out for vacation, we became locked indoors and confined in our homes. Countries across the world are experiencing this lockdown, otherwise known as quarantine.

Many of us know what quarantine is and we don’t associate it with something good most of the time. We have watched movies and TV shows discussing viruses, whether fictional, real or somewhere in between. Who knew that our entertainment could very well become our reality? We just thank God that it is not as bad as depicted on-screen. 

The Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ was implemented when Cebu experienced a massive surge of cases. It is important to note that we are not the only ones currently experiencing this, other places, even a 1000 islands away are facing the same issues we have. Soon, a less restrictive quarantine, in the form of GCQ or General Community Quarantine will be implemented – this is a step towards getting back the normal life that we once had.

In this age of technology, it is not hard to keep ourselves entertained. We can watch our favorite shows, play games and research online while planning for the future. Being with our families bring us even closer to them. Nowadays, some people are getting creative with at-home routines. It was hard to accept at first but we found our way around it and became accustomed with our current status. We stay at home knowing that we are helping stop the spread of this virus.

Living in a modern world, where almost everything is online, makes getting though this much easier. I won’t be surprised if this becomes our new normal soon. Online classes, online shopping, you name it, almost everything is virtual now. Despite all these, we are still longing for human interaction, something that we are heavily used to. We wish to meet our friends again, and be in a classroom, workplace, or a mall, like we used to. But for now, we have to accept that this is the current situation. We are plating our part by staying indoors and not spreading the virus to anyone. As for me, I’m doing my part by staying at home, making do with what I have around me. I’m finding time to learn new skills, and hone my talents whatever means possible. 

Patience during this time is necessary. Being impatient could risk the lives of everyone around us, as people tend to follow trends in this modern world. Thankfully, most leaders are doing their part to curb the spread of the virus. A vaccine is in the works and many drugs are proving effective against the virus. We will get through this and this will pass soon. Unfortunately, some people are stubborn and will break laws to get what they want or do what they had planned. Doing this is not going to help stop the virus. 

Soon, we will be able to go back to our ordinary lives; however, we need to accept that certain things could never be the same again. But being humans, we have been through worse and we can adapt to our new environment. 

We need to be happy that Mother Nature is healing. Pollution rates are at an all-time low. Fishes are breathing well for the first time in years. The ozone layer is recovering and the air is clearing up. We need to look at the positive side of what is going on as well, not just the negative side that the media shows. 

As I have said, this will pass. It will not be around for long. Our bodies will become used to this and we can look back on this as an eye-opening moment. A learning experience to not take things for granted, and to be grateful for what we have. The human race will get through this and we will come out on top. It is important to keep a positive mindset during this time of crisis and go through everyday exploring new talents and taking advantage of the free time we have. Thank you and God bless!

** first published in Ang Panimalay 2Q 2020