Commentary: Why I still stay home most days even though circuit breaker has been lifted
SINGAPORE: In the wee hours of last Friday (Jul 10) night, while staying up to watch the results of Singapore'south 2022 General Election, I suddenly felt a range of conflicting emotions coursing through me as I watched footage of Workers Party supporters jubilant in Hougang.
First, I cheered on the joy in their expressions equally supporters waved flags and inflatable hammers in the air. After all, watching happy people is infectious (in a good way). I almost wanted to make my way over and so I could soak in the festivities in person.
And then, a horrified thought popped into my head: Where is the safe distancing?
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Each time I spotted someone without a mask or people making fist bumps and giving loftier fives, I cringed a little inside as I thought of how they were surely exchanging all sorts of germs with each other. All thoughts of going out were immediately abandoned.
As well MUCH, Also Presently?
That weekend, merely like well-nigh every weekend since Singapore moved into DORSON Orange, I stayed in every bit much as possible.
I am aware we are currently in phase ii of the post-excursion billow period where there are fewer restrictions on existence out and some social activity is allowed just a part of me is not quite ready all the same.
For many, the relaxation of rules is a welcome relief. More than people tin at present resume work. Subsequently months of having to stay within the pocket-sized confines of their homes, many are probably glad for the opportunity to spend time elsewhere.
I can identify with that restless feeling of existence cooped up. A few weeks ago, for a alter in scenery, my partner and I decided to spend Friday evening in the Duxton neighborhood.
As our Grab car passed through Tanjong Pagar, however, my eyes widened every bit I noticed many queuing in close proximity to each other outside various restaurants.
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Elsewhere in the commune, eating house patrons would besiege on the street to smoke and chat. I was relieved nosotros had made a reservation at a pocket-sized eatery then we could avoid these hordes but even more relieved when we finally returned dwelling house.
My experience is probably not an isolated one. Ane can easily detect images and videos of crowded spots effectually the country, such as malls and pop F&B districts on social media. One cannot assistance but wonder, where are the prophylactic distancing ambassadors?
Worryingly, infection numbers are slowly creeping upward. For the past ii weeks, Singapore has averaged nigh 13 to xiv community cases each day. The number of unlinked cases seem to be on a small uptick.
The list of places visited by COVID-19 cases during their infectious period is also broadening in scope. Initially, virtually locations were essential businesses like supermarkets or wet markets.
Now, the listing includes popular malls similar Marina Bay Sands, Bugis Junction, Sim Lim Square as well as F&B outlets such every bit The Daily Scoop and The Order. While it is non necessary to avoid places where confirmed cases have been, experts say these indicate the presence of "hidden reservoirs" of the virus nevertheless circulating in the community.
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UPDATED MAP: All the places that COVID-19 community cases visited while they were infectious
KEEPING Motel FEVER IN CHECK
For now, I have made the option to minimise my fourth dimension spent outside dwelling for the sake of my health and mental wellbeing. In many ways, staying in has been a pleasure.
In the BC (before COVID-19) days, my days were packed with work events, yoga classes and dinners. It was a relief to cut some commitments, especially unnecessarily long meetings, outings with people I'1000 not too dandy on and boring networking events, where I would have to discipline myself to awkward small talk, which I am terrible at.
I have used this newfound complimentary time to do things I had long been putting off - repaying my sleep debt, decluttering my overstuffed wardrobe, reading unread books and cooking creative meals to clear out my pantry.
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Interestingly, I have not felt disconnected from human interaction. Instagram Stories has become my diary to record musings, observations and fears about life nether the shadow of a pandemic and it has brought me immense comfort when friends and acquaintances respond with kind words and helpful recommendations.
My Whatsapp group and individual chats have evolved into spaces for thoughtful and measured conversations that are much more than engaging than the mass forwarding of memes. In a mode, information technology almost feels like the old schoolhouse do of letter writing has been revived via technology and I have grown closer to some friends because of this.
And once, when motel fever got also much to conduct, I took a solar day off work to hike the Southern Ridges on a weekday when fewer people are out and most.
Of course, there are things I miss about the practiced old days. Life is duller without the visceral pleasance of live arts performances such as concerts and theatre shows. For now, I have tried my best to stay engaged by checking out virtual performances.
A Zoom bingo session conducted by local theatre company Andsoforth provided a lighthearted fun, while the supernatural murder mystery by Sight Lines Entertainment spooked me out.
MAKING A COMPROMISE
Still even for someone with introverted tendencies, I recognise I cannot proceed myself confined forever.
Neither can any country, Singapore included, be on circuit breakers indefinitely, even if nosotros may have to go used to a cycle of tightening and loosening restrictions to continue potential outbreaks under control.
So, I am taking baby steps. Similar celebrity chef Nigella Lawson, who declared she would be adopting a social 5:2 diet of going out merely two days a calendar week, I am gradually adding appointments to my calendar.
On occasion, I schedule small group meals at advisedly chosen establishments where we are assured of fewer crowds, such as under-the-radar or less pop restaurants. And I take no qualms making a last-minute alter of plans if a identify I intend to visit seems too packed.
Hopefully more people pay greater attention to the recommended preventive measures so every bit to curb transmission rates. While it is now compulsory to habiliment masks outside the home, I still see individuals with their noses sticking out or their masks under their chins on any given corner.
It would also assist if more people exercised common sense restraint such as by not lingering in jam packed places or choosing alternative, less crowded locales.
Nosotros all want life to go along. Chances are, this will but be possible when everybody cooperates in helping to continue the virus at bay.
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Karen Tee is a freelance author.
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