Last Day of Y2020...

 Today is 31 Dec 2020, the last day of an uncertain whole year, where everything seems to be unknown when the covid-19 pandemic hit the globe. 

The unknown virus bought fear, anxiety, depression, and a lot of uncertainty in life. Humanity was brought to the test. Family and friends were forced to keep their distance from one another to keep safe. Some took this great time to pamper themselves and relax. Alone time gave people more time to think of their desires. Couples get the opportunity to be more intimate, but not all end up well. Family time was too much for some to handle. Of course, there are also many great stories of people coming together helping the vulnerable overcome the pandemic situtation.

While others go the other way and fall into the depression of loneliness and fear of getting sick. In such times, we get to know more about what we fear and cherish. And hope we have learned and know better to handle it in the coming future. The numbers of infections remain high and uncontrolled, in another part of the world, and with mutation of more infectious of the virus was reported, we may still need to combat the covid-19 for another year at least before we can see better times and pick up of the economy. For now, we do what we can and must. Staying positive and keep our mind saint.

The lockdown of countries and borders kept families apart, business at a standstill, frontline struggles, and humanity fear. While mother earth, wildlife has a break from human intrudes and strive during those periods of locked down. It may not be much significant in the long term, but it shows us, humans, how much we had meddled in their lifestyle and environment. it has brought a lot of awareness to climate change and wildlife conservation. Human is now more appreciative to nature and conscience of their health.

Being the end of the year and tomorrow a world new chapter of the year. Wishing all joy, happiness, peace, and a healthy new year 2021.

The World at a standstill / Covid-19

During the pandemic, everything changed. The virus that spread globally not only it is easily infectious, the death rate was high too. Many countries were caught off-guarded or un-prepared when it hits their shores. Fake news and rumors spread vitally, no one knows what is real, the government had to step in and create an official website for the public to get access, subscribe and be informed.

Life was on a standstill during the locked down, public rushing for food supply and daily household stuff before the locked down as if the war is here. Frontline, essential services, food provider and supply chain were the few services that are still available when the locked down were slowly opening with restricted measure in place.

Many have lost their income and not sure what their futures hold. Graduated student were unable to find jobs, family not allowed to visit and the mental health were challenging during these times. Family were break apart and cannot meet one another. Love couples were being challenged. With countries shutdown, people are voicing their unhappiness, the homeless are hit the worst and the seniors are vulnerable against the virus. For an island-Singapore, we took almost a year before things looks better, with everyone doing their best to keep their distance in public areas. We are the few fortunate countries that have experience infectious virus in the country before and this time we are more willing to cooperator and know what we must do. Life may not be back to what we use to before the pandemic, but at least for now, we are confident that we are able to see it through until the vaccine is available.

Singapore was lucky, we have our network structure already in place, technologies and available in almost every household that even school continued during the locked down with some changes. Some industries were able to remain operational with working at home and stay safe. Wet markets, retails, F&B that adopted live steaming sales were explosive. At home, video calls was a daily affair, online application became a hit in high demand and retails with ecommerce platform thrived. The almost dying last mile fulfillment was revived and double up in requirement. People had came forward to show that they care and helping others in needs. Others use their skills like singing and performance online to keep the entertainment going and help keep the mind occupy.

While Singapore is slowly opening up, the other countries were in second waves of infection due to lack of information, preparation and education. Poor living environment and food shortage also contributed to the problem. While on the other hand, the shutdown that have stopped human, traffic and carbon footprint around the world have seen some benefits. Marine life flourish, wild animals were seen strolling around the street, plants expanding their territory. Greenery were seen and it brings joys to the bees and butterflies. You hear the birds chirping outside.

Life may not be the same to many, mindset will changed, people will learn and the country will grow to be stronger. May the world learn to co-exist and keep the peace.