Delayed relief

As most of the countries around the world are already lining up to get their vaccines, we are still puzzled. The government has failed, yet again, to deliver us the basic solution to end this pandemic. Simulations have been taking place already in different key provinces across the country, but what can simulations do if the real thing isn't really there yet? In reality, I envy those who are posting photos of their vaccination cards because they are lucky enough to get a shot.

The president's spokesman said that even the president himself is already eager to get hold of these vaccines. These vials that cost a fortune could bring our economy back to life. Imagine, with the effectivity and the efficacy of the vaccine we will soon be living in a world where masks and face shields aren’t needed. Not only that, but face-to-face classes might also resume, as well as normal operations of different sectors that ceased due to the pandemic.

However, with every passing minute, the virus keeps on mutating. Once again, Cebu has become the spotlight because of the new mutations. It cannot yet be called a variant by the health department, but it could be something worth looking into. Plus the local government units aren’t keen on having another lockdown. The reality is, too much has been lost; too much bleeding in this economy plus the LGUs are losing funds because of the cost the lockdown last year brought.

It’s funny how in a week's time we are saying happy anniversary to the quarantine. I can still remember the anxiety I felt when the executive orders were released and the horror of waking up the next day to nobody in the streets. Life was really hard then. I was lucky to be called a frontliner as a reporter but that doesn't really make any difference to how difficult life was, and to be honest, it still is for some.

I pity the small entrepreneurs who are banking on a fresh start this year to make up for everything that was lost. The delay of the vaccine is also the delay of relief for Filipinos. To be blunt, I feel like other issues are being prioritized than the vaccines. I may be wrong, but deep inside we know it’s really an inconvenient delay.

While writing this piece, I am sitting across my friend whom I haven't spent time with in a long time, but we are far apart. We can barely talk in this coffee shop and it is getting to be a bore. I miss the life then when human interaction was so fun. I guess we all do, it's been a year. What now? If only disagreements and fears would get out of the way of procuring these holy vials.