Pulling the Strings

By Medina, Maria Paemma E. Literary Editor

who were outgoing before might have gaps in their social skills, what more for those who are reserved. Some students are still in grief for their lost loved ones due to the virus or during the pandemic, and others are not as confident or satisfied with what they learned during online classes and might feel like they are left behind compared to the rest of the grade. In other words, many experience re-entry anxiety or anxiety from the stress of life returning to normal (Thompson, 2022).

Nevertheless, there are still benefits. The economy may increase due to the return of physical classes. Parents will have more time for themselves and their careers. Students will surely learn and keep up with the lessons because in the UNICEF-SWS survey last May 2021, 84% of the parents observed that, despite spending more time guiding their children, they were still learning less in distance learning than in traditional in-person learning. There are two sides to a coin; one is the head, while the other is the tail. It is upon which side you will look. The transition from online to personal is hard, but it is harder to stay in one system that is nowhere to lead, especially once people have gotten used to it. The only way is to know the right path and be ready for whatever challenges may come. Fortunately, this situation is not bad as everyone thought. Schools are moving forward, continually adapting, and coming up with new strategies, and the nation is slowly advancing and progressing like the rest of the world. So, see you then on campus!

Covid 19-virus still exists though more people are going to work, students are back to school, and more businesses and establishments are now open. People must be aware that this virus may attack them anytime and anywhere.

Wearing a face mask is just a simple contribution to health protocol, but it is indeed an extensive protection not only for ourselves but also for our friends and loved ones.

At first, Filipinos are uncomfortable using it as they couldn’t speak and breathe much, but after two years of being in it, it is considered “normal” for us. Hoarding it last year peaked at a dozen for panic buyers and such sellers.

At the height of the pandemic, wearing a face mask is of great help to prevent the spread of the virusWorld Health Organization (WHO). Thus it is still necessary to wear it even if we are now in the third year of this post-pandemic, a decrease in pandemic surveillance due to a decrease in the pandemic outbreak

- Dr. Homer Yabut.

Restrictions were lessened, and sectors like the Department of Education (DepEd) initiated and explained the areas of schools that were guided to wear facemasks or to free them to take off. This is similar with Jose Rizal University which issued the Memorandum Order No.2022-23, Revised Protocols on Wearing of Face Masks and Entry into the Campus.

First is the Voluntary Wearing of Face masks in open and non-crowded outdoor areas with good ventilation shall be allowed. Face masks may be removed in the following instances; eating and drinking in designated areas; participating in teams and

Grace Fuedo Opinions Editor

individual sports in venues with sustained ventilation; practicing outdoor activities with physical distancing.

Second is the Compulsory Wearing of Face Masks in the following situations; indoor or enclosed areas like classrooms, libraries, laboratories, offices, bookstores, clinics, elevators, and canteens or dining areas (except when eating); outdoor spaces without physical distancing. These include but are not limited to crowded places like assemblies in the quadrangle, gymnasium, and closecontact settings like conversing in corridors, stairs, and lounges.

And also, submission of the health checklist shall no longer be required, but body temperature scanning shall be compulsory for everyone upon entry. Visitors will be required to accomplish the Visitor’s Pass and submit it at the Information desk upon exit.

The two specified words to remember are voluntary and compulsory. Well, it is an act of accountability for one’s health. Because the Covid-19 virus is transferrable, setting the bar high for the possible consequences health organizations reiterate. Protect one another. Think first before you pull the strings to be sure.

“We all make choices, but in the end, our choices make us.” - Ken Levine. Think wiser for the future of everyone. Rizalian, be an instrument to put the pandemic to an end.