‘Flatten the fear’

I braved the outside world again on Monday to attend a lunch hosted by tycoon Alfred Ty, chairman of Toyota Motor Philippines at Grand Hyatt Hotel in Taguig. It was Toyota’s first physical event for the year, as it mostly conducted virtual events since COVID-19 happened.

All the guests had to take a swab test, test negative for the virus and be examined by a doctor before going up the hotel’s Pool House, an indoor venue with al fresco setting. We all had face shields and masks.

Never did I imagine during our pre-COVID-19 life that this is how it would feel to live at a time of a pandemic – that once we step out of the house, say to attend a meeting with quite a number of people, our peace of mind would depend on having a nurse poke a stick up our nostrils to see if we and everyone in the room is safe from the virus.

It gets tiring to take these tests really and yet, it’s just my fourth swab test since COVID-19 struck. It’s not painful, but you still get that tinge of anxiety thinking the stick might actually slide all the way to your brain, and that might really hurt. Sometimes, anxiety is worse than the actual thing.

But then, it’s better safe than sorry. Props to Toyota for going through great lengths to ensure everyone’s safety. I think it’s admirable to embrace these strict health protocols if only to ensure everyone that it’s possible to co-exist with the virus while we’re all waiting for this nightmare to end.

It is time to flatten the fear, if we can’t flatten the virus itself just yet. That was Ty’s message to his guests, in essence.

“I appreciate that you took the time to go out of the safety of your homes and be with us today. I understand that like everyone, health is our top priority. So I hope that we are able to give you peace of mind with the highest health and safety standards implemented today,” Ty said in his welcome remarks.

In Toyota’s 32-year history in the country, 2020 is the most challenging by far, he notes. The company has learned so much.

“Toyota supports the country’s initiative to gradually open up the economy. We understand that we have to co-exist with COVID while remaining vigilant and safe. We cannot stay in enhanced community quarantine mode indefinitely. We need to take small steps in line with the guidance of the government,” he says.

Ty’s group is walking the talk.

“We believe that it is our role to be drivers in restarting the economy. Today’s gathering is the first step. It is our goal, through today’s activity, that with you we can experience for ourselves the reopening of the economy,” Ty said.

He said it’s possible to already go out while keeping safe.

“We can go out, dine with friends, or hold business meetings physically and safely,” Ty says.

Guests have also started returning to the Grand Hyatt since the government allowed staycations to resume. Its famed The Peak has opened and guests have the option to eat al fresco.

It was, indeed, a breather to actually have some semblance of normalcy.

I think it’s a good, bold step that sends a message to everyone that we can slowly flatten the fear and co-exist with the virus, as long as we implement the necessary health protocols.

It will entail additional costs for businesses and for us individuals, more violations to our nostrils, but it is the best we can do for now. We cannot sacrifice our health.

Back to physical work

Some of the country’s tycoons are indeed spearheading efforts to reopen the economy and to gradually return to normalcy.

But as employers, they must ensure that their companies still adhere to strict health measures and provide their employees face masks and shields, and free and regular swab tests as they return to their offices.

I strongly support the gradual reopening of the economy. So many people I know have lost their jobs and I hope, with the reopening, they can slowly rebuild their lives.

Along with the easing of quarantine measures, we can start returning to physical work.

Some bosses believe the work-from-home setup has affected productivity and has limited critical operations such as budget presentations.

Tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan prefers working in his office. He says there is a world of difference between Zoom meetings and in-person discussions as communication is restricted during online meetings.

It has also resulted in lowered productivity.

For employees like me, the work-from-home setup has also started to feel more overwhelming as the months drag on, with the line between work and pleasure now dizzyingly blurred. Before, one can retreat to the home after a hard day’s work, but that’s not so easy to do now especially if you live in a small place and don’t have a home office.

Moving forward, we all must really boldly embrace this new normal, support the reopening of the economy, and do whatever we can to flatten the fear.

It won’t be easy, but we all need to take that first step.

Iris Gonzales’ email address is [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @eyesgonzales. Column archives at eyesgonzales.com