Our Country under Coronavirus Pandemic

By: Angeline A. Bagne

When was the last time you went out to mingle with your friends? When was the last time you went out
without wearing a face mask and face shield? When was the last time you went out freely without thinking of
any limitations? This novel coronavirus disease has really affected us in so many ways that we can't even
imagine. So, have you ever wondered how this novel coronavirus started? Where does it really come from?
How will this pandemic end? I know that we are bombarded with so many questions in our head, let me narrate
some information.

Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that causes illnesses such as common cold, Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. In 2019, the cause of a disease
outbreak that originated in Wuhan, China was established as a new coronavirus. The virus is also known as
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The illness it causes is called the
coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed the COVID-19
outbreak a pandemic in March 2020.

At the verge of this pandemic, there were so many conspiracies that were related to how do COVID-19
started. The first conspiracy is that this virus has been planned. There were also rumors that it has been
engineered by humans or it has escaped from a laboratory. It was also believed that this virus originated in bats
and then transferred to humans. Some believe that it was caused by 5G. For some variety of reasons,
individuals are swept up in conspiracy theories. It may simply be that the theory aligns with their pre-existing
views and thoughts, providing an avenue to reflect on their feelings of anxiety. For others it can offer a face to
the invisible danger of the virus to put the blame on a particular person, nation, or organization. They can also
simply provide a sort of escapism that distracts from the situation's grim reality.

This COVID-19 is actually a respiratory virus that transmits mainly through droplets generated when an
infected person coughs or sneezes, or through saliva droplets or nose discharge. So, if you are close to someone
who has COVID-19, you may be infected by breathing in the virus, or by touching a contaminated surface and
then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

This disease does affect people in different ways. Most of the infected people will experience illness
ranging from mild to moderate and can recover without being hospitalized. Two to 14 days after exposure,
signs and symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) may appear. This time is called the incubation
period after exposure and before having symptoms. Signs and symptoms that are typical can include fever,
cough and tiredness. A loss of taste or smell may be included in the early symptoms of this disease. Additional
signs can include shortness of breath or breathing problems, Aching of muscles, chills, soreness of throat, runny
nose, headaches, pain in the chest and pink eye (conjunctivitis). These are not actually all inclusive because
others have reported fewer common symptoms are rashes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms that
occur to adults are just similar to children. People who are older have a greater risk of severe COVID-19
disease, and with age, the risk increases.

One of the high-risk countries from being affected by COVID-19 is the Philippines. With the growing
numbers of people that are infected with coronavirus disease, Rodrigo Duterte, our president, has imposed an
enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon on March 16, 2020. It was a total lockdown that restricts the
population's movement except for necessity, health circumstances, and work. The temporary closing of non-
essential stores and businesses was required by additional restrictions. On 17 March, the government of the
Philippines declared a state of calamity in that country for six months and it brought so many changes as it
created a big impact on each and every one of us here in the Philippines.

Indeed, this pandemic has changed the world in just a matter of days. It has altered human behaviors,
relationships and lifestyles due to the nature of the virus, particularly how it is transmitted, and has had
profound effects on the economic, political and cultural landscapes of societies around the world. In certain
areas of the world, poverty, injustice and inequality have also been intensified, not only by how COVID-19
tends to affect disadvantaged communities more than the wealthy, but also as a result of the steps taken by
states to monitor the spread of the virus, primarily by restricting freedom of movement by enforcing community
quarantine, lockdowns and curfews. The brunt of these measures was particularly borne by the daily wage
earners affected by the “no work, no pay” policy, and those working in the informal sector.

Above all, I can say that we, as students also have received a great impact of this coronavirus pandemic.
With this pandemic, we were not able to go to school. Yes, we are able to learn but most of students agree that
it is really different if we have face to face class where the learning is through engaging. Due to this pandemic,
the schools, both public and private have also had to adjust to this new mode of learning. Others were not able
to enroll because of some financial incapability, but then even if others were able to enroll, they still find it
really hard to make this learning be possible. It was like we were just studying to survive not to learn.

Despite all of these challenges in the midst of the pandemic, the Filipinos have showed how resilient
and ingenious. Indeed, this pandemic has produced a new world that is full of challenges, problems, struggles,
dilemma, and of course for others, opportunity. As a Filipino, we always have this positive vibe that even
though we are suffering we still manage to adapt and to cope up with anything. It was like we are rubber bands;
we are always flexible and are willing to bend whatever situation we have. So, for me I am thankful that I am a
Filipino. I am thankful that a blood of a Filipino runs through me.