RIGHT now we are all under lockdown.
Working from home, staying inside and going out only when needed have become the norm.
It’s funny how because I remember when Spain had its first few cases of COVID-19 the officials brushed it off with, “It’s nothing to worry about!”
Even as the numbers slowly rose people treated it as unimportant white noises. The streets were still packed, the women’s march on March 8 pushed through with 120,000 participants as well as a football game and other large gatherings. People were still partying and going to public places living the YOLO life.
Then suddenly, around March 9, the cases of coronavirus infections in Madrid doubled from 500 to 1,000 overnight. That got everybody worried.
Classes were called off a few days later. A topic that everyone avoided was splattered all over the news. The number of infected people increased everyday from 1,000 to 2,000 and now a whopping 3,000 cases in Madrid alone!
After Italy, Spain has Europe’s second highest case of coronavirus cases and now Europe is the new epicenter of the virus. Even the Prime Minister’s wife tested positive.
What does this say about our predicament? That following the advice of experts is very important especially if it is about something unknown. No matter how small the threat is, it could blow up any moment.
The virus is known for having a low mortality rate and the ones really in danger are the elderly and the sick. The fact, however, that this pandemic has closed schools of all levels, halted most work, closed tourist spots, suspended sporting events (even the Olympics, almost), suspended masses and even the filming of your favorite Netflix series proves that even though this virus is not so deadly, it is bringing the world to its knees and shutting its doors (literally).
Even Hollywood celebrities, NBA players and politicians are not immune to what is happening.
What’s the best you can do now?
Follow the expert’s advice. Wash your hands, keep healthy and most importantly STAY AT HOME.
Some people think these quarantines are like martial law of sort. This is only something temporary and we will get through this. Especially now in the not-so affected provinces of the Philippines, a little social sacrifice can save you from a month or two of hell. (angelica.panaynews@gmail.com/PN)
