Which division do you belong to? The group willing and ready to take the newly discovered vaccines against the COVID 19, that has already been given the title of a pandemic because of its worldwide effects and infections? Even if fear of the COVID has struck the hearts of human beings all over the world, fear of the attempts to introduce a vaccine supposed to prevent one from infection, still make a lot of people hesitate to accept.
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The following days and months will show how successful such vaccines are. I think we only have to watch the news from the United States, one of the hardest hit by this pandemic, to determine if it is truly effective. The risks, to me, are almost equal – get it and be safe, or get it and suffer. But since some countries, like the United State, have already adopted it, let us be guided by their experience. I heard that our President is already set on procuring it for our people. The drawback is that the amount he is contemplating to get will hardly suffice for our entire population. Those who cannot have access to it must strike out on their own.
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A piece of bad news yesterday, however, was that fuel prices are again being raised, and this will add to the burdens of users who can barely survive the prices that this pandemic has brought along with it. But one thing we have to be thankful for is that while the COVID casualties in the U.S., a country much advanced as far as science and medicine are concerned, is one of the hardest hit. Not that we are happy that they are suffering, but only grateful that in our province and city, at least, our officials have managed to make the wearing of masks mandatory, and even the noted COVID guru, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has recently confirmed that the mask has indeed, protected a lot of people from this virus!
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Remember that song in the movie “The Sound of Music” where Maria sings “Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good”? Well, our people, especially our officials and barangay leaders must have done something very good, because infections from the COVID, as well as fatalities are far less than those in other areas. In fact, it was a joy to hear that we have 38 barangays that are Covid-free, and that is, indeed a blessing we have to give thanks to the Almighty for. And also to our officials who were adamant in imposing the protocols against it, particularly the wearing of masks.
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This Covid has really changed the lifestyles of people. Did you know that staying and even sleeping in air-conditioned rooms are now considered by some advisers not advisable? If possible, they say, sleep with your windows open – screened, of course or mosquitoes might feast on you – but that is supposed to allow air to circulate in your rooms. Anyway, the option is yours, but this could one time when electric fans could be more healthful. Will our lives return to what was “normal” before, after this COVID experience?
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Alas, Christmas parties which are events not only families look forward to, but even schools and offices consider a highlight of the year, are now taboo. Let’s look at the good side, which is, this means we have to spend more time at home with our own families and enjoy each other’s company. The limit in gatherings is said to be only 10 persons, but how can that be attained in our big families? For Sure they must be exceptions. I am sure life will never be quite the same after COVID.
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But it seems things are much different in the United States now. With their president losing in his bid for reelection, people thought they would see a change in administration without fuss. But the incumbent, Donald Trump, who was beaten by challenger Joe Biden, still cannot accept defeat and claims the election was rigged. That, despite the conclusions of several agencies that no irregularities had been noted. It must be heartbreaking to leave the comfort and status of living there with all the accoutrements that goes with the position. When is Joe Biden scheduled to move to the White House? January 6? The incident bears watching.
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It seems the United Kingdom is the first to conduct mass vaccination of its people. The rest of the world could follow – that is – if they can decide which vaccine out of the 51 kinds already introduced. I heard somewhere that our country is adopting the Sinovac, that, from its name, shows it comes from China. That is where this pandemic originated, remember? But there will be dozens to choose from, so we don’t have to pick one coming from the country where it all started, do we?*
