Welcoming back

The interagency task force has decided to allow most industries in General Community Quarantine areas that were suspended to operate again. These include traditional cinemas, driving schools, arcades, and the like. With the risk of welcoming back these establishments comes the risk of transmitting the virus.

In Cebu City alone, they are struggling with spikes in COVID-19 cases that led up to more than 200 cases a day. This number was the same last year when the city was placed in the spotlight by international agencies and challenged to put down the numbers, which it did very well. Seeing the same today seems like a shock.

I can't help but wonder if it will be better for the economy to have these industries again or they might just end up losing. It could be another scenario of a business taking a risk but closing down again. That's more of the economy suffering and more people losing jobs. But then again, they said our lives cannot be put on hold.

Well, I do miss the cinemas and the thrill of having to watch a film on the big screen. It’s different compared to watching your favorite superhero on your TV screen. Only that there will be no seatmates this time. We say goodbye to date nights that involves hugging while watching that romantic flick. Just in time, tomorrow is Valentine's Day. I guess dates out in public are out of the picture.

Driving schools will also be a challenge. I remember being taught up close by my instructor before I actually learned how to drive. I wonder how they do it now in the new normal. I only pity the instructors who rely on students who actually enroll, considering that a certification is needed to get a driver's license.

There is so much policy that needs to be changed and informed with the new normal as these industries come to life again. While the vaccine is set to come out next week, we won't even get a chance at it yet. Not for now, I guess. My only wish is that they get it all together for real this time with no other barriers along the way.

On the flip side though, I am excited for arcades to come back as I deem myself as an expert in fighting games and whatnot. I think we are getting the best of both worlds with the pandemic but we still have to be very careful. So careful that we don't mess up everything again. Cliché, but true.

Good job for Cebu City not welcoming the industries again. I wonder how this will go from here.