Hope everyone is staying safe amidst the whole Covid-19 situation that's happening around the world. I'm sure every country is coping with it differently but I hope that everyone's safe and healthy thus far :)
I have the feeling that this virus won't be cleared for awhile or at least until they come up with a vaccine and everyone will just have to adjust with living with it around us. Here are some ways that we have been adapting. It may not be the same for everyone but just sharing my reflections on the experience up till now.
Wearing Masks
It has been mandatory to put masks on when you leave the house since the start of Circuit Breaker and it did take awhile to get used to. We'd like get ready to leave the house but not take our masks and have to come back in the house to take one. Since then I think most of us have gotten used to it. I feel it's the wearing of masks that are keeping the Covid-19 cases low in the recent months.
Although I must say... "Maskne" is real! I think those who can't work from home and have to wear masks for long periods of time may have developed pimples around the area where the masks covers. It's something I'm still dealing with. If anyone has any tips or any suggested products to use on dealing with "Maskne", do let me know!
Not socialising the same
Since entering into Phase 2, we are allowed to eat out and meet up with friends but of course with social distancing rules in place. So no more than 5 people in a group and restaurants tend to have different seating arrangements where everyone is seated 1m away from each other.
But even then, it's quite worrying when you head out in to a crowded place. Only recently I've noticed the crowds outside are somewhat returning to normal. Malls in town were pretty crowded when we went out a few weeks ago. We still have to scan to check-in and have our temperatures taken before entering any place and to be honest, it's something that I still need time to get used to. A few times I had to whip my phone out at the last moment to scan the QR code and hold up the queue a little bit.
These days people are heading out a lot more. It's pretty much the same except there's a lot more planning before arranging to meet up with friends.
Falling sick + Paranoia
Usually when we are a little sick, we still go out or go to work as per normal. It was totally fine to be at work with a slight runny nose or cough but now even with the slightest sore throat or just any sign of feeling unwell, I would think twice about leaving the house. I would worry more too that my cough or runny nose is a symptom of Covid-19. Just being paranoid and anxious itself can be quite unhealthy and cause you to feel worse.
Not only that, it's quite tedious falling sick now. If you have flu like symptoms, you are required to undergo the Covid-19 nose swab test and during the duration of your medical leave you cannot leave the house. It may also affect the people that are living with you as you wouldn't know what the results might be. Thankfully though, the cases in the recent days have been reduced and we may be moving towards Phase 3? Fingers crossed.
-----
Especially during this time, I find that it's all the more important to rely on each other and be more gracious to the people around you. Everyone is going through a difficult or challenging time so who knows you might just make someone's day if you extend some kindness to them :)
Let's hope for better times ahead, be kind and stay safe everyone!
