Towards the end of 2019, economic doomsayers were predicting a recession in the US would happen in 2020 but the US economic fundamentals remained strong. UNTIL the coronavirus came. Recession could be inevitable in some countries in Europe, Asia, and America. I hope the effects on the Philippine economy is minimal otherwise kawawa naman tayo.
No one buys stocks nowadays except those who have excess funds and want to buy when there’s blood in the streets. Those who can park their money for an extended period of time and those looking for bargain stocks. Investors move their funds to the safety of US Treasury bonds.
Those working here in America will see their 401Ks falling but do not be alarmed. Just don’t look at it. There’s not much you can do. You can transfer it to US bonds if you would like but ask first your financial advisor if that’s the best option and if it’s possible.
The media reports only those that are afflicted and those who died. They don’t give us the report on the number of afflicted that have recovered, those that got well. Not everyone who has coronavirus will get seriously ill. Some will only experience mild symptoms, like colds and cough, some will have a moderate illness, and they will get better.
CNN has started calling the coronavirus as a global pandemic. This will further sow fear among the public. Doing this does not help their country and the world. They do not report the number of people who got better.
The virus is traveling around the world because it’s carried by individuals. People are scared to go out, to shop, to eat in restaurants, to watch movies, to travel, to simply come in contact with other people because it seems that the coronavirus is easily transmissible.
It’s a very bad time to catch a cold nowadays. Bawal umubo and umachoo. I like to put black pepper in most dishes that I cook. Naa-achoo ako. When I do, I explain that it’s because of black pepper. When you sneeze in public, say “ay na-allergy ako”.
I am not sure if I’ve already told you about the guy who was coughing while I was buying macaroni salad from Tropical Hut in Greenhills. Unang ubo nya, okay lang. But lahat kami nakikiramdam na kung may kasunod pa. Second ubo nya, yung iba made one step backward away from him. Third ubo nya, mga nakatalikod na sa kanya. Fourth ubo, nawala na lahat yung mga nakapila sa cashier. Sya na lang naiwan. Ako nadun na 6 meters away, kalapit ng aircon.
We still go out. We are not panicking although today we are both worried about the business effects of the virus in Manila.
To minimize the chances of the coronavirus lurking in our dealerships, Edmund has instructed our people to disinfect the surroundings and spray Lysol. Our people are also reminded to always wash their hands. Kahit naman walang coronavirus, meron other bacteria, and viruses, kaya lagi talagang maghuhugas ng mga kamay.
It’s only March and yet many are already looking forward to the new year, 2021. Kasi bungad pa lang pinulbusan na tayo ni Taal volcano. Tapos ngayon naman sobrang nakaka-stress yang coronavirus. But let us not panic. Let’s just increase our cleanliness awareness. Kung nalaglag ang pandesal, huwag ng damputin. Dati pwede pa yan pag wala pang isang minuto. Ngayon, huwag na at madumi mga sahig, kalye. Pag-uwi nyo sa bahay, sabunin ang ilalim ng inyong mga sapatos or tsinelas. I do that kahit nung hindi pa uso ang virus-virus.
Keep distance while speaking to someone. Don’t stick your face too close to his/her face.
No more kissing-kissing, holding hands, and body contact. Elbow to elbow is soooo corny. Toe to toe is foolish.
Using hand sanitizers frequently is not good for you. You may develop immunity to bacteria or certain viruses. It’s better to wash your hands with soap and water, rather than use alcohol or sanitizers all the time. You only use these when you have no access to a washroom. Like when you are mobile, in the car, bus, train. But as soon as you can find a restroom, instead of putting alcohol or wipes, just go to the restroom and wash your hands with soap and water.
We have to strengthen our immune system and wash our hands frequently.
It will take time to get used to these lifestyle changes.
