Warning: This is quite a long post but I think not all struggles are tackled.
In this content, I will tell you about:
The start of the ECQ
Struggle is real
Small convenience stores closed down
No jeeps, buses or trains
ECQ lifted
The New Normal
The start of the ECQ.
This Covid-19 pandemic has been going on for almost 4 months now. Some countries has already recovered and has zero case of covid19. But still, a lot of countries are still fighting this unseen enemy.
During this pandemic, our country has been through a lot of lockdowns and quarantine. The first one is called ECQ or Enhanced Community Quarantine. This was implemented to make sure that people won't gather together and spread this contagious decease. People were ordered to stay at home except for those working in the frontline. Also, BPO companies who contributes a huge help with the economy are exempted for the ECQ.
There are people who are still required to go to work even this difficult time. There are a lot of struggles in going to work during ECQ. Good thing, I just live near the office so I didn't experience waiting for long hours just to find a ride.
Struggle is real.
Unfortunately, in our country only few can afford to buy their own car or motorcycle for transport. On the start of the ECQ, not all are able to go to work and not all have set up work from home by that time.
I remember my colleague coming to work late for 2 hours because she needed to walk first for about a kilometer and finally found a transport to take her to office. Next day, she didn't come to work anymore and accepted that she might be on a no work no pay status.
Small convenience stores closed down.
Another struggle not having their own car during this pandemic is that when we need to buy groceries for our needs. As we all know, all small convenience store near our place has also closed. This is because:
owners are afraid that they might get infected of the decease
there are very few people buying
the prices of some necessities has increased and it's not good for business.
I myself had experienced this. I was able to go to a big grocery store. My friend drove me there. But she had something to attend to and left me there. I got the things I needed for 2 weeks. I carried 2 bags and went out of the store. I was hoping there will be jeepneys or bus or even tricycles but there's none. I walked for around 5 minutes thinking, "Omg! I shouldn't have gone out!". Luckily, there was a motorcycle for rent that offered me a ride. I paid $1.5 usd or 75 php for the ride which is quite expensive than normal.
No jeeps, buses or trains
During this pandemic, the transportation system has also halted. This could be because the it will be easier to spread this virus via public transportation. Also, contact tracing which is required now will be hard to do.
So what happens to the people without their own mode of transport? Most of them did not go to work. Some where offered to be fetch by officemates just so they can come to work. Eventually, social distancing was implemented and it is no longer allowed to have more than 2 people on a 4 seater car.
The management of each company are thinking ways on how to remain operational despite of this pandemic. That's where the work from home set up came in.
ECQ lifted
The ECQ was already lifted around 15th of May. There are a lot of changes that happened for the last 2 and a half month. Malls and some essential stores were allowed to open. Tricycle are also allowed but only with 1 passenger allowed.
Fares have gone up. Since there is only 1 passenger, you are expected to pay for the whole ride. The usual $0.20 usd (8 to 10 pesos) has gone up to $0.80 usd (40 pesos). If it is a special ride the drivers will ask you more. I understand that they needed the money but people right now is really counting every penny. So if you wanted to save, you can either have a long walk to find a cheaper transport.
The New normal
Since not all can afford to buy a car or motorcycle, and not all are qualified to even get a car or motorcycle loan. So, what's our solution? BICYCLES!
This is the cheapest solution that most of us thought about. Simple bicycles only ranges from $40 USD or 2000php up to $100 usd or 5000php. This are not like mountain bikes that costs more. People use these bicycles now to go grocery shopping, going to work and for exercise too.
Using bicycle has a lot of health benefits too. Doing bicycle exercises helps strengthen muscles. It increases cardiovascular fitness. It also helps with flexibility of the joints. But mostly, it helps in losing unwanted fats.
Jeepneys and buses are already back but since social distancing is implemented, they only allow 50% of the normal number of passengers. The demand is going up but the supply isn't so it's still a struggle but not much compared to before.
Conclusion
This is the new normal. As long as public transport has not completely returned, I guess we needed to cope with this new normal. But just like other things, there is always a positive side on it. Let's keep appreciating what we have and hope for a better cured future.
Let me hear your thoughts on this article by commenting down. I know I haven't tackled much so I would like to know what other struggles you encountered. Stay safe everyone!
:) ellimacandrea 😉
