How Covid-19 changes a city

1. Temperature checks

ONE of the symptoms of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) is fever, thus establishments such as schools are taking extra measures to prevent the penetration of the virus by using infrared temperature gun to gauge a person before it enters the premises. Airports manned by Bureau of Quarantine personnel use thermal cameras to screen incoming passengers with above normal temperatures.

2. Face Mask

Despite the advice of health experts that healthy people don’t really need to use face masks, the general public takes no chances and wear masks despite being healthy, thus creating a shortage of supply and pushing prices of masks. It may not only be a trend in Davao City but to all places with Covid-19 cases. “Even before the novel coronavirus, it’s prudent to wear masks if you have colds, flu, or cough to avoid contaminating others. Again, this is a precaution for other microorganisms, viruses, and bacteria, not just for novel coronavirus. So it’s not correct to force everyone to wear masks” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

3. No Hi’s and Goodbyes at terminals

To ensure safety in both health and security purposes among Dabawenyos and its visitors, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered that there will be no welcome and send-off party on terminals in Davao City. “Welcome and send-off parties or groups in the entry points of the city, even at the parking lots are permanently banned. All greetings shall be made at your respective residences,” Duterte-Carpio said. However, the said order is done only in Davao and other places are yet to mimic the city’s move.

4. Ash Wednesday

The disease has not only modified the practices and protocols of the government but also the ways of the church. Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has issued liturgical precautionary guidelines during the observance of Ash Wednesday. From the traditional ash marks on foreheads, now, ashes are sprinkled on the heads to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission. However, the practice is not new. “This is not an innovation but in accord with the ancient practice of the Church.” CBCP President Archbishop Romulo Valles said.

5. Sporting Events

Even Iron Man (IRONMAN 70.3 Davao) takes a step backward as the world faces Covid-19 head-on; however, the event in Davao City on its third run was rather moved than be canceled by organizers to May from its original kick-off date in March which was originally part of the Araw ng Dabaw main highlights. On the other side, several planned sporting events under the Philippine Sports Commission is said to be moved to later dates due to the Covid-19.

6. Festivals

Davao City, Davao De Oro (Bulawan Festival), and Tagum City (Musikahan Festival) respectively canceled the festivities in their respective areas due to the threat of Covid-19 to avoid the transmission of the disease during mass gatherings. Davao City’s Araw ng Dabaw has trimmed down its activities to just four. However, holidays on March 1 and 16 will push through.

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