Here comes Lambda

The Philippines has already logged its first case of the Lambda variant, a more vicious mutation of the virus which is said to transmit faster than the Delta variant. Just as we are coping with a high number of new cases every day, here comes a new problem.

The thing is, I feel like the problem never seems to end despite countless measures. We have tried to keep people apart, limit the number of establishments that are open, and keep leisure to a minimum, but we are still here. What makes it worse is that the vaccination may be lagging as supplies dwindle and the number of people willing to get jabbed increase. This may go on forever.

But I hope not, though. In Cebu City, the police have been tapped once again to roam the streets. Not just to look after criminals but to go after those who do not follow protocols. Like who? Well, those who do not know how to properly wear their masks or allow their children to get out of their homes. In fact, the new executive order has mandated parents to exercise lockdowns over their homes.

Which is absurd, I think. Parents always have the authority over their household which is why I don't get why a lot of children are able to roam around the streets and outside of their homes. I'm not a parent yet and, of course, caring for a cat isn't counted, but I'm quite sure if I become one I get to have control over my children. So I don't get what makes it difficult today. Is it too boring inside the house? Too hot? Or is there just a need to socialize?

I fear the lambda variant more than the current one that we are facing. Despite the numbers shooting up by the day, there are still a lot of people who don't believe in the power of the vaccine or don’t believe the virus even exists. What makes it sad is that they are the most vulnerable ones; the sector that doesn't have access to healthcare and benefits from a company. When it’s too late and we find them having difficulty breathing, there is nothing that we can do.

I cannot stress this enough, and probably the government has also been repeating this over and over again, to just stay at home. Occasions could be set aside for now, and gatherings as well. There will be a time for that when we are all fine, when that time comes. When it does, the virus will just be like a small flu that we can manage. Herd immunity at its best.

So I continue my nights of anxiety as I watch the numbers increase. My only hopes are that whatever they are doing now to bring them down will be effective. Sometimes, what is ideal is not actually applicable in real life. Let's bet on it.