Phase one of the easing starts tomorrow, and Phase 2 in July. However, the authorities will review the situation in the middle of June, and if the new cases of infections are within expectation – meaning they have the pandemic under control, they will consider bringing Phase 2 forward.
The easing of the Circuit Breaker / Lockdown will be very gradual. If we re-open too quickly, we risk new waves of infection, which could be even more disruptive to lives and livelihoods.
In Phase 1, schools, select businesses, offices and companies can re-open with additional safeguards in place. Apart from that, there is not much changes, and perhaps for good reason.
Much like what we’ve been doing since the pandemic started, individuals are advised to stay home and not go out unless for essential services. Wearing a mask in public is, of course, mandatory.
While certain activities will gradually resume, the many restrictions spell a ‘new normal’ we have no choice but to adjust to.
The pandemic has certainly disrupted our lives and livelihoods. That’s what pandemics do. Lockdowns are a last resort, and people understand that it is for the good of all, and it is the only way to have the virus under control. There is, after all, a new virus around that can have catastrophic consequences. People want to be safe.
But the problem is we are no longer as safe as we once were. In a world where Covid-19 remains present in the community, there will never be no risk. It's about how we reduce that risk. The coronavirus is very contagious, and it spreads easily. Although most people who were infected suffered mild-to-moderate illness, the virus is fatal to those with pre existing illnesses and old folks who have a weaker immune system.
Medical experts have cautioned that this “smart and agile virus will continue to be in our midst and in global circulation for some time to come.” In view of that, we must not let our guards down. We have to continue with some of the measures adopted during the pandemic – like washing our hands regularly, keeping social distancing, and not to gather in large numbers. Until we are completely rid of the virus some of these measure will be here to stay. And the mask could be a part of our apparel.
On a lighter note, here are some Covid-19 related humour and meme. I hope they bring on a chuckle in these difficult times. Hang on in there, for this too shall pass.
The memes are collected from Whatsapp messages and pages from Facebook. They are not mine. Where possible, I have sourced them.
Could this be a new norm?
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