I can still recall the day the government announced that the National Capital Region and the entire Luzon would be put under enhanced community quarantine starting on March 17, 2020. It was the biggest curveball thrown at us. The uncertainties marking those first few days of the lockdown were just too much to process. But in a way, I was excited for the opportunity to work from home. I surely would not miss being stuck in the horrendous Manila traffic four hours a day. Besides, I thought then, the quarantine could probably be over in a few weeks.
During the first month of the quarantine, there was a mixture of anxiety and excitement in our household. Anxiety because of the lingering uncertainty, and excitement because we were given a month to try this new setup. For most people I know, there was a general pre-pandemic clamor to allow people to work from home. A month later, some were enjoying the experience while others were missing their office environment. A few even got locked down away from their families. Our time was quickly consumed by what we previously considered as basic tasks. It took us more time to plan and buy our basic necessities. We began to realize how complicated grocery shopping had become. Hospital visits and dental checkups became risky. Religious activities, birthday parties and graduations were all canceled. We had to make significant adjustments on how we go through our daily lives. I am sure that for those involved in their organization’s business continuity plans, there was a gazillion calls made during this time, as everybody was trying to check on their people and make adjustments on the fly.