Prepare for headaches, confusion

We are truly living in different if not difficult times. As Metro Manila approaches June which, according to the recommendation of many agencies and mayors, will be under the more relaxed General Community Quarantine (GCQ), some conditions still seem burdensome to ordinary citizens. For one, public jeepneys and buses are still barred from plying their routes. Taxis, ride-hailing apps like Grab and tricycles will be allowed. There are some rules they should follow under the new normal. For example, a tricycle can only have one passenger at a time. Taxis and the like must have safety and physical measures in place. The MMDA is also proposing an exemption during number coding days for private vehicles with more than one passenger. The agency is keen to re-impose the scheme expecting heavier traffic once a GCQ is declared, but at the same time encouraging the use of private vehicles.

There are so many proposals and guidelines that various sectors of transportation are suggesting. But if there are no buses and jeepneys how would ordinary citizens get to work? For almost three months many were devoid of income. Even if they did receive their wages from more compassionate employers or companies, can they afford these modes of transportation? I can understand the hesitation to allow public utility vehicles to operate because of the difficulty in monitoring social distancing.

That's a real headache. For example, the MRT and LRT are about to start operations. However, it appears only about half the capacity of the coaches will be allowed at any given time with seats and floors marked for passengers to implement physical distancing. If so, what about those waiting in line to get on board? Surely the lines will double in length due to physical distancing, not to mention the time before one can board. How early will riders have to wake up just to get in line? I can imagine many will be late for work and if so, how are employers going to deal with that?

There will be some confusion when the metro is placed under GCQ. There will also be a localized lockdown of "high-risk barangays". Of course, if cases of COVID-19 spike like what is currently happening in South Korea, then going back to ECQ is not improbable. It depends on us whether we adhere to the new normal or just throw caution to the wind. Truly, life is difficult. We are almost in the middle of the year and it seems we cannot get a break. Unfortunately, not all of us have wonderful lives like a sitting senator who is just elated at his situation. I could say so many clichés but I will leave that up to you.