Hatid virus

MILLIONS of Filipinos had to accept the confinement imposed on us, if only to do our part in containing this deadly pandemic. We were asked to suffer inconveniences because as citizens of this republic we have duties to perform in pursuit of the common good. It is not just the inconveniences that we have to suffer such as missing out on going to malls and dining in our favorite restaurants or relaxing in familiar places like coffee shops and spas. It goes beyond enduring wearing long hair because the alternative is the risk of cutting it yourself or have someone untrained do it for you. Unlike Debold Sinas, most of us had to forego celebrating our birthday parties. Many had to cancel their weddings or anniversary celebrations. Hundreds of thousands of graduates had to settle with the fact that they would never have graduation pictures. Even religious ceremonies and rituals had to be suspended, thereby becoming a lasting reminder that in times such as a pandemic, state prevails over religion.

Families were torn asunder. Weekend family reunions had to be called off, and family members had to contend with video calls, in order to keep the connections alive. What is even most painful is to have family members and friends die, some from illnesses related to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), some from other causes, alone in hospital isolation rooms because their relatives are prevented from entering hospital premises and friends are not allowed to pay their last respects. Wakes had to be canceled and what is left for the loved ones to hold is an urn containing their loved one’s ashes.