Yes, the pandemic due to COVID-19 is still on-going and
people are still getting infected while I type this blog. It’s actually getting
crazy because most people treat the pandemic like it’s nothing. Some people
even think that COVID19 is just a hoax which is quite sad because people are actually
dying. Because of the continuing rise of infections, it is best that the law should take over. In the Philippines, a "New Normal Law" bill has been passed to enforce strict hygiene and social distancing measures due to the pandemic. People must now face the new normal enforcing the following changes:
Wearing Mask
COVID19 has infected more than 14 million
people worldwide and it continues to
rise because most people still do not follow quarantine rules such as staying
at home or simply wearing a mask when going outside. During Spring Break, a lot
of youngsters went out to party on beaches, bars and restaurants, and sadly
they don’t observe social distancing and/or simply did not wear a mask. Authorities believe that this behavior helped spread Corona virus in the US. Local
government in all states in America strongly encourages people to wear mask and
other states such as Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, etc. have actually issued an executive order requiring
people to wear face coverings while in (or waiting outside of) essential
businesses. If you’re a store owner and fully implements wearing a mask, but then
a customer refuses to wear one, insists on demanding service and
eventually hurts you in the process, then you may need a lawyer for personal
injury like Doug Healy. Remember, the pandemic is not an excuse to break the law.
Curfews
Curfews are being implemented to prevent
people from loitering in the streets or shops late at night to prevent the
spread of the virus. It also helps bring down crime rate thanks to the police checkpoints
and/or police roving around town to inspect loitering individuals. People who
work night shifts especially in hospitals are allowed to go out. They simply
need to bring their company IDs. Minors or people age below 18 and senior
citizens are encouraged to stay indoors. Once you're caught loitering around during curfew hours, then you're off to jail.
No Talking in Trains
I’m not sure in other countries, but in the
Philippines, commuters are encouraged not to talk to each other nor even answer
their cellphones while inside the train or in other public transport as a
safety measure to prevent the spreading of the virus through droplets from
talking. It is also currently being practiced in Singapore and it’s already common
etiquette in Japan so they don’t need a mandate for it.
The Start of Distance Learning
This is probably one of the most
challenging changes that had happened during the pandemic. Physical classes has
been suspended and distance learning (a.k.a elearning / homeschooling) is
currently being practiced. This means parents at home are in charge of
assisting their children with their studies plus the materials / gadgets they
need to make distance learning possible such as the computer and tablet they
should use. Sad to say, this is very challenging for 3rd world
countries.
We don’t know how long the pandemic will
last, but I really hope this would end soon. We may be in a state of pandemic,
but always remember that the law still stands and we must follow it in order to
achieve peace and order.
