Who would have thought that a new virus called Covid-19 can change the way of life for billions of people around the world?

In the span of nearly three months, the Philippines has seen lockdowns like never before: State of Public Health Emergency, Community Quarantine (CQ), Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ).

Hospitals nearly reached their full capacity. Doctors and nurses wore personal protective equipment as they dealt with patients. Everyone started wearing face masks and face shields. Schools and churches were closed. Public transportation was also suspended. Checkpoints were set up in key choke points on the roads. Jobs were lost as businesses stopped operations.

It was practically a ghost town everywhere.

Authorities say the country will bounce back, but it will have to face the possibility of a “new normal,” even as the world races against time to find a cure for the novel coronavirus.

If you haven’t been outside for weeks, let us give you a peek into what might become of your city as it prepares for life with Covid-19.

As more people stay at home than outdoors, gated villages like this will look like ghost towns most of the time.

streets — Streets are nearly empty amid the lockdowns, but traffic may soon return as cities transition to more relaxed quarantine measures.

tricycles — Only one passenger is allowed for every tricycle. A tricycle driver in this terminal in Pasig tells us the local government gave them these plastic shields to separate them from their passengers.

bicycle shop — Bicycles may become the new primary mode of transportation, as people veer away from close contact with each other. This bike shop seems to be getting an unusual load of customers.

cleaner air — While humanity struggles to survive, Earth is healing. Air quality has improved globally since lockdowns were enforced and travel was suspended. With clearer skies free of air pollutants, one can now see distant mountains that were not visible in the past.

trash bag — Trash will need to be properly segregated to avoid spreading any virus or sickness. Garbage collectors who also serve as frontliners have to wear protective gear as they go from village to village.

Businesses will have to reinvent their establishments and their operations in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. This pharmacy, for instance, has placed a plastic divider between customers and their staff.

hardware salon — Will salons and barber shops finally be allowed to reopen?

signages — “Please wear your face mask,” “Always observe social distancing.” Signs like these will become more prominent in public places.

face mask — To those who live in shabby shelters, it is a necessity to spend some time outside to refresh. And with masks covering our faces, we can only guess what one feels during this uncertain time.

vagrant — Those who say that the coronavirus is a great equalizer are misinformed. In every crisis, it’s always the poor and the marginalized who are most vulnerable. To these people, it is not coronavirus but hunger that will most likely kill them.

stay home save lives — “Stay home to save lives.” That is the most popular catchphrase today, as authorities encourage people to avoid catching the virus from going outside.

[Entry 308, The SubSelfie Blog]

About the Author:

JM Nualla is the Managing Editor of SubSelfie.com. He is presently a News Producer of New Day and The Source on CNN Philippines. He also serves as an Assistant Professor in iACADEMY, teaching scripwriting, film language, new media and mentoring thesis projects. Previously, he was a Segment Producer for the GMA News Special Assignments Team and Senior Producer/Online Content Manager for Claire Delfin Media. Broadcast Communication 2009, PUP Manila. MA Journalism 2014, Ateneo de Manila.