By Joshua Corcuera
In late October, I received my first booster against COVID-19, in addition to the first two vaccine shots which I received back in 2021. While COVID-19 does not seem to be a problem anymore, it is better to be safe than sorry. The fact that there were only a few people in the vaccination site where I received my booster would prove that the disease that caused stress and headache to most of us in 2020 and 2021 is no longer a serious issue at present. In other words, things are mostly back to normal.
We witnessed the changes this 2022 as we transitioned to a post-pandemic society. It is encouraging to see that the worst is over, that we have surmounted a pandemic that claimed millions of lives globally, that we remain well and alive at present. Likewise, most students are back at school, employees are reporting to offices, many people can be seen outdoors, and the sights and sounds of cars and jeepneys dominating the roads are back. It seems that we have mostly recovered, and we are on a clear, straight path towards normalcy. Indeed, the worst is over.
Not surprisingly, even wearing a face mask—the most fundamental of preventive measures against COVID-19—is no longer required outdoors. Recently, news outlets have reported that the government institutions are imposing more lenient policies in regard with mask-wearing. The wearing of face masks in both indoor and outdoor settings are now voluntary, according to a November 3 article from the Inquirer, citing Executive Order (EO) No. 7. This EO repealed EO No. 3 which only allowed optional wearing of face masks outdoors and not indoors. Of course, there are exceptional cases where face masks are still required such as healthcare facilities and public transportation.
Despite the leniency provided by the-powers-that-be towards us, we should remain vigilant, and not complacent. While it is good that those who do not wear face masks will not be penalized with a fine, it is important to encourage others to still wear them. Moreover, even though we are now allowed not to wear face masks in most situations, the Department of Health urged the wearing of face masks, especially in schools where full face-to-face classes are now allowed in public educational institutions for elementary and high school students.
The lesson we can derive from this, dear reader, is that even though we are allowed to do something, we must remain mindful of our personal safety and the safety of others, including our family and friends. To make it short, we must be vigilant and careful, not complacent nor overconfident. Do not take things, such as our safety and well-being, for granted.
If possible, wear face masks at most times especially when you are in a crowded place. After all, wearing face masks protects us not only from COVID-19, but also from other illnesses that can be transmitted easily such as cough. Also, we will lose nothing anyway if we wear a face mask, right?
