As of this writing, the Province of La Union still has very few new cases of COVID-19. While this might come as good news, it’s still not an excuse to be complacent.
As quarantine protocols slowly relax, we might be asking ourselves: is safe to go outside and meet with a friend? Enjoy the park and resort? Dine-in a restaurant?
Despite the assumptions of safety for those going outside, there’s no definite answer to this. Some activities are still risky, while some are okay to do as long as we practice physical distancing and other outside-the-home good hygiene habits.
The Dangers of Easing COVID-19 Lockdowns
Try as we might enjoy these lax quarantine protocols, the threat of COVID-19 is still prevalent. Some countries, particularly in India, Mexico, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan, are experiencing second waves after lifting their lockdown orders. Meanwhile, here in the Philippines, the city of Cebu reverted back to Enhanced Community Quarantine following an “increasing number of COVID-19 cases in the city and widespread community transmission.”
The best way for us to combat another wave is to stay at home. That’s it. But if you can’t help but go out to do important errands or go to work, it’s time to start thinking about risk as a spectrum, according to Lifehacker’s Beth Shwarecki.
It’s been ingrained in us that the new normal would entail public transportation to operate at 50% capacity, malls observing strict physical distancing rules, people staying six feet away from other people when outside, and the like. It’s hard to follow, but come to think of it, we’ll be used to it sooner than we least expect it.
Thinking of Risk as a Spectrum
Take this informational graphic from epidemiologists Julia Marcus and Ellie Murray for reference.
It’s a simple spectrum that shows us various risk and harms reduction tips for every setting, and one that we desperately need to remind ourselves every time we go out.
Re-opening the economy is vital to keep the business sector afloat. But there’s no use in doing so if people will let their guard down. COVID-19 is still ravaging the world, and there’s still not a vaccine that’s readily available for the next few months ahead.
With this spectrum in mind, you can already make informed decisions about your comings and goings each day. Yes, quarantine protocols appear to be a little more relaxed, but it’s not a cause for celebration. The reason for these modified rules is also to curb “quarantine fatigue.”
Cabin fever (irritability, listlessness, and similar symptoms resulting from long confinement or isolation indoors) is something that a lot have probably undergone in the past three months of quarantine. We don’t want that either. If strict rules are still being implemented today, many of us will wallow in building frustration, leading us to break these rules and usher in another problem waiting to happen.
Thankfully, there are measures we can do like what the infographic encourages us to observe. By keeping these in mind, we’ll always be aware of the things we need to do when going outside, and taking part in the nationwide call to #HealAsOne.