End July Coronavirus Update
Here in the Philippines, many of us are about to enter our 5th month in quarantine.
Originally, there were 3 levels announced. “General Community Quarantine” (GCQ) was the lightest level. “Enhanced Community Quarantine” (ECQ) has increased restrictions. And Lockdown has us completely housebound, unable to leave even for basic necessities.
In Cebu, where I live, we have spent most of the last 4 months in ECQ.
Recently 2 intermediary layers were introduced.
However Granular Lockdowns are now being rolled out around the country. They are applied to small isolated pockets with high numbers of cases, and typically last less than 3-14 days.
My neighbourhood is expected to go into Lockdown in the next week.
In the last 4 months, I’ve left the house 6 times. 4 times to the vet. Twice to the supermarket, with a hairdresser visit tacked on. Snatches of freedom in the brief weeks we were in GCQ and some facilities opened.
Many of my friends have left the Philippines. Others plan to return to their home countries as soon as flights out are available.
For me, this is my home now. Work goes on. I’m busy with long delayed work projects, craft projects and reading. I’m looking forward to emerging from this strange 2020.
Are you still in quarantine?
