Carpe diem

Like a child who wasn't allowed to go out and play for a long time, Metro Manila woke up early last Monday and immediately seized the day. Carpe diem. Right away traffic which was practically nonexistent the past months greeted them like an unwanted guest. Metro Manila was placed under the more relaxed General Community Quarantine (GCQ) the same as most of the country. Many businesses and industries also woke up to a new day of work after being forced to shut down due to a lockdown brought about by the rampaging COVID-19. The IATF-EID allowed them to reopen if they followed "new normal" rules such as wearing masks and social or physical distancing.

But not everyone was allowed to open. Gyms, spas, salons, parlors, and barbershops are still closed until June 7 where they will be allowed to operate only if they adhere to the strict practices of hygiene and social distancing. Manicures and facials are still off the table, so perhaps you should start learning to do it yourself. I know friends who have learned to dye their hair at home. Many barbershops will eagerly open their doors on Sunday so we can expect a deluge of long-haired men. It is hoped they do follow the new normal. I can understand businesses wanting to make up for the past three months of inactivity but not at the cost of our health. Places of leisure such as movie houses and amusement centers and playgrounds are still off-limits. I am uncertain how the hotel industry will handle things under GCQ. The eight o'clock curfew stays. Liquor bans have been lifted in most cities but drinking is to be limited at home so just take it easy.

There are still no public jeepneys and UV Express vehicles which were to the frustration and consternation of many commuters. I believe 90 buses were allowed to travel on EDSA but were only allowed to stop at four places in the places where an island used to be and corresponding to MRT stations, not to mention they were only half full. P2P, shuttle, TNVS taxi, and tricycles were also allowed. A cashless payment system is preferred so money does not change hands. On June 21 the second phase of public transportation will begin where "modern jeepneys" will be allowed to ply the other routes. An assessment will also be made whether additional buses will be added on EDSA to augment the already-running albeit half-full and slower MRT/LRT. Needless to say, the first day of GCQ was chaotic.

But all of that could change if the DOH notices a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 cases. Some countries are already experiencing that, forcing them to shut down some businesses. May it never happen to us. If I am not mistaken, local governments have the right to lock down any barangay that has a high COVID-19 count. It is safe to say that no one wants a return to ECQ if it can be prevented. That is up to us.