Lockdowns, once again

For the past months we have been talking about a repeat of the ECQ scenario we all witnessed last March. It was a dreaded situation where only limited people were allowed to go out. Movement was restricted only to those who warranted it. Now, we see it again in a different scenario and it’s all coming back to us. Like the famous song of Celine Dion goes, "It is all coming back to me now." I guess it is more than deja vu, but more like an "I told you so" kind of feeling. There goes the unregulated ways of living a life in a new normal with the virus.

The Emergency Operations Center of the city has attributed the skyrocketing of the number of cases to the Christmas gatherings last December. Of course, who wouldn't want to meet their friends and loved ones whom they haven't met in the past months because they have been locked down at home. My take on that? It could wait. A lot of other things can really wait and we have a time for everything.

Now, here we are. It wasn't a mistake when the authorities kept on warning them, in fact the danger was real. What can we do now? Well, we can always stick to what has been taught to us then --the basics, of course. We know that it is the wearing of masks, social distancing, and always keeping all movement to a minimum. That is better than being totally locked down.

I only feel sorry for those who are affected by this sudden surge. Once again the quarantine centers are being filled with people who have already taken a break from attending to patients. At least, they already know how to respond. Question is, do they still remember?

It will be a big challenge for Cebu City to go through the similar days in 2020 when COVID cases were soaring high. Let’s not forget that most of the activity in the province is centered in the city. I, for one, will find it hard to continue working, running a business, and teaching without going to the city. Most of what I need is in Cebu City, I cannot afford not being able to enter it again.

Speaking of again, let us keep it in mind that we need to follow protocols and there is nothing else we can do. While the virus is taking on its toll evolving to different strains, the vaccine is still nowhere near our own homes. Best if we ask from our government officials that kind of response that will not generate more transmission and do our part as citizens to stop the spread.

Funny how these words were what we have been hearing in the past year and we are repeating them now. I only hope we learned our lesson. Lockdown again? I would rather not.