One Year Onwards- COVID 19 Commemoration

(Photo credits: Time.com)

Last March 16, 2021 - exactly one (1) year since the lockdown or Enhance Community Quarantine was implemented throughout the Metro Manila to contain the spread of COVID 19. Personally, I do not want it to be called an Anniversary - more like remembering that time stood still for everybody.

The week before it took effect, there were a lot of speculations how we should be dealing with it. Noting what happened in other countries, it was just a matter of time.

We were not prepared for the incoming deluge of uncertainty following this - your freedom to move around suddenly restricted, jobs in limbo (which later got lost - due to either redundancy or retrenchment) because your company cannot operate, travel plans prepared beforehand got cancelled, your physical health in jeopardy because it is very scary going to the clinic and hospitals (especially if you are at an age where you need constant monitoring) and mental health compromised because we have never felt so isolated in our lives.

For those who were able to keep their jobs - it is either your work hours get reduced (including your take home pay) or additional responsibilities because your co-employees got laid off. I was lucky enough that I am working with the IT Shared Service industry where I can still work full time and get paid on time.

What was supposed to be a one (1) month restriction turned into a year. We are not yet at a near normal or new normal if we are going to assess the current situation (and considering we got back to the ECQ level again because of the massive number of infections).

People still doing their own thing - no masks, keeping each other within close range, not wearing it properly - as if there is no pandemic. I am maintaining a strict physical distance away and always have alcohol within my bag or pocket to disinfect myself before entering my house.

As the Manila-based HR, my role or participation in matters pertaining to Management making logical choices got a bit heavier. From interpreting the fine print in the Labor Code, coordinating with our client for COVID 19 testing for our employees in our other site, providing updates on the situation here and other stuff, which I cannot disclose at the moment due to its sensitive nature.

Although everything is still uncertain, there are small ray of hope in the horizon. Although slow (and depending on the list), vaccinations have now started for those who needs it the most. I registered to be vaccinated and got news that I can be vaccinated anytime but I had to wait for the call. I am hoping that we reach that herd immunity so that we can move on to the New Normal.

Until then, we can only hope for the best. And avoid being infected with COVID 19. Take care and stay safe for the meantime.

(Photo credit: Pinterest)