At that time, even doctors were blamed for the declaration of ECQ further preventing businesses from opening, and strict implementation of quarantine and border controls limiting the movement of people for economic activities. With no opportunity to recoup losses, companies were forced to lay off employees and unemployment rates went up. Memes were out in full force on social media ridiculing healthcare workers for "killing people" since they don't have income to support their basic needs. Other issues centered on the "missing chickens" where generous corporate donors provided dressed chickens which barangay constituents never received. Others compared notes regarding the social amelioration program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) which was not equitably distributed. With a generation of millenials not used to being cooped up at home, many were restless and experienced cabin fever. Some had it worse, needing mental health couselling and psychiatric evaluation. Political leaders were lambasting medical critics of the remedies they promoted like steam inhalation. There seems to be no central command, everything in utter chaos.
With all these happening around us, many still needing to stay at home to stay safe, stay healthy and stay alive - we stop and reflect on the most pressing concerns during this COVID-19 crisis. Is it about food, water, shelter and sense of being useful to society? Is it basically staying away from the SARS CoV2 virus by shutting yourself at home? Is it about peace and order and prevention of domestic violence? Is it a balance between preventing transmission of COVID-19 by protecting the vulnerable and allowing economic activities to support those who are quarantines and sick in the hospitals?
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