Scrolling through my phone while eating home-cooked noodles, I often come across photos of how things were just a year ago. A year ago, I wouldn’t have expected to be quarantined at home, miles away from my friends. In my head, it was more of me enjoying the last moments of freedom before the arduous journey to my O levels. Well, enjoying freedom is certainly something that didn’t turn out as planned.
In light of the worsening Covid-19 situation, many of the events I was looking forward to are now cancelled, leaving me absolutely distraught. It started with the beyond classroom week, then our literature play, cross country was even cancelled. Worse of them all was the cancellation of our CCA public performance, all members, even those who have already graduated, put in everything into this performance. Especially considering this is my last year in the CCA, I wanted this to be our last hurrah before we graduate. Unfortunately, things just weren’t meant to be.
This isn’t an uncommon occurrence either, every man woman and child is facing the daunting impacts of Covid-19. The retrenchment rate is at an all-time high, most countries have gone into quarantine, requesting it’s citizens to stay home, school’s been cancelled, everyone is understandably worried sick right now.
Singapore is no exception with the recent boom in cases causing a nationwide “lockdown.” Schools have been brought online, and everything is closed except for essential services. With the impacts far exceeding the economic crisis of 2008, it truly does feel like we are living in a dystopia.
Despite these uncertain times, we as Singaporeans have never given up hope. A strong national spirit burns in each Singaporean, looking out for each other during this pandemic. Through initiatives by SG United, we have clapped, cheered and even sang the song “Home” as one nation for the healthcare workers. Influencers such as Naomi Neo have collaborated with big companies to give away care packs to those in need. Residents all throughout the country have stepped up and provided hand sanitizer at common areas like lifts. The government has also stepped in, providing complimentary reusable masks to everyone.
Despite all the negativity caused by Covid-19, I believe it has truly brought out the best in Singaporeans, together as one, we can achieve great things because this, this is home
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