As fear grips Metro Manila, the government, both national and local, are putting in all their efforts to possibly control the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The estimated 24 million locals and transients of the metro are now facing the difficult question on how the recently announced community quarantine of the whole of Luzon will progress. It is a daunting and challenging task for the government but it is a strategic move to control the spread.
Word of the preventive quarantine sent a lot of people scrambling into frenzied rush to supermarkets days before its announcement. The mad scramble to stock up on supplies and disinfectants proved to be the most talked about and the most frowned upon reaction of the public. #PanicBuying was no longer just a phrase for many but a quick bite of reality. Worse, we saw people scrambling out of Manila to head off to their provinces. These people, out of fear, completely forgot that they may be carrying the virus with them and can infect their loved ones.
The community quarantine to be implemented basically is aimed at controlling the spread of the virus by restricting the movement of Metro Manila residents. Movement is very limited within the metro. Going in and out of Manila started out with the limitation only to individuals who work in the metro but live outside its boundaries. But it is now leveled to totally locking out Metro Manila on all corners. Classes and work has been suspended. As of this writing, the Luzon-wide community quarantine is in place with clear instructions to stay at home.
Day 1 of #CommunityQuarantine
I woke up today and I could feel the slight difference of a normal day. It is unusually quiet. I cannot hear the usual noise of traffic from afar. Other than the usual noise, it is just a usual normal day without the usual plans of going out.
My mobile phone was busy from all the buzzing that is work-related. Since the announcement of the quarantine, it’s been working tirelessly with all the questions coming in and my active monitoring of the situation. Yes, it is still a bit messy right now with all information coming through.
I went to the grocery and there was no stress nor tension doing the rounds. It took me less than 30 mins to step inside the store and to cash out. The shelves were loaded and there was no mad rush to grab supplies. My experience was totally a complete opposite from what I saw and heard from friends from previous days. There was nothing to worry about.
The rest of the day went on smoothly. I stayed in the room most of the time sorting out office work. My team and I were sorting out through the confusion to get to the best action plan for the days to come.
All in all, everything seems okay but kinda boring. I probably need to work on my book reading and writing in the coming days.
Day 3 of #CommunityQuarantine
Tonight is eerily quiet compared to the first day of the quarantine. The usual humdrum sound of the city is on mute. It literally sounds like the city has gone to a deep slumber.
Today was a productive day. My work team is already getting the traction on how to approach this quarantine situation after a decisive action was taken by our brand. It is easier to manage the situation now compared to the first two days of isolation. The whole situation taught me how a decisive action can ease out a lot of obstacles to come up with a better action plan for my team and the business. It all boils to the leader.
EDSA was awfully quiet today, as well. I have never seen that highway “breathing” as I have always seen it choking in traffic. But today was different and it was my first time to see it in a very relaxed state. I guess this enhanced community quarantine has given us a preview of the possibilities around EDSA traffic.
Most businesses are closed after government managed the incidentals needed by the private sector to function like public transport. The government’s move made the private sector bend its knees to heed PDuts request for the private sector to cooperate. A very smart move on the part of the government. Funny though how some people are quick to react again on the transportation lockdown. Private companies should be the one to resolve the transportation concern of their team should they decide to operate at this time. LGUs should also be assisting them.
Today was also a great time to clear up some of mess inside the room. My bed is bigger now after I cleared it up with personal stuff that occupied a portion of my bed. I have also started planning on what to read, what to do, what to watch, and what will keep me busy in the coming weeks.
I guess after this week, I would have cleared up my room.
adobongpinoy 