75th Day

Today is our last day of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ). Starting tomorrow, Metro Manila will transition to general community quarantine (GCQ), which has more relaxed protocols.

No, we have not flattened the curve, as this was decided by the government the same day we logged 539 new Covid cases three days ago. But I guess it had to be done because a longer lockdown will surely cripple the economy — if that hasn’t even happened yet.

Even if I go out of the house during the lockdown for quick errands and obtaining essential and even non-essential goods, it will be a different story once most restrictions are lifted. I would much rather go out now that it’s still on ECQ than in GCQ where I’m pretty sure areas frequented by people will be a petri dish of the virus.

I'm holding up — I think.

As much as I want to update this blog often enough, I was hoping I could talk about something other than the quarantine and the pandemic. It’s been 70 days since the initial lockdown and every day when I go online to read or watch the news, all I see is the growing frustration and helplessness. Then again what is there to write about other than how I go about my quarantine days, right? Besides, if I get out of this pandemic alive, I would regret it so if I didn’t document it.

The ECQ extension is until the end of this month, making it the world’s longest Covid-19 lockdown. We have not succeeded in flattening the curve though, which made many questioned if putting our lives on hold for more than two months was even worth it.

If you'll extend it, make it worthwhile this time

Spanish Flu 1918

Unlike the previous quarantine deadlines when we all kinda saw the extensions coming, this one set until the 15th of this month feels like the government will start to gradually ease some of the restrictions placed. Like how they are now preparing the MRT and LRT for social distancing measures by implementing new passenger protocols. They are also looking into normalizing government operations and allowing key sectors such as BPO, manufacturing, including small businesses like restaurants and retail to operate. From ECQ (Enhanced Community Quarantine), they will implement GCQ (General Community Quarantine) with more relaxed measures and to tell you honestly, just the thought of people going back unsettles me.

Another cruel summer

Yesterday afternoon, I thought our aircon has stopped working because even while it’s set on high cool, I found myself panting and sweating. I stood up and placed my hand by the louver and while it was whirring and blowing a light breeze, it barely cooled our little space.

For a moment there it made me nervous, for if the aircon’s broken the timing would be so wrong, as I can’t afford to buy a new unit. But come to think of it, even if I happen to have the moolah, where can I buy one with this nationwide lockdown? (I have ordered an industrial-type wall fan online and I don’t even know when I can expect that delivered).

It was only when the door opened that I realized there’s nothing wrong with our cooling unit. I felt this rush of warm, balmy air blowing in you’d swear it’s the breath of the devil himself.