THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The covid-19 pandemic is unexpected. It has transformed our lives. Before it came, we were living comfortably in our homes. We always had food on the table. People had jobs that paid well and bills are settled as soon as they come. No problem in paying utility and credit card bills. Bank loans were paid as soon as they fell due.

Frontliners such as health workers, garbage  collectors, grocery workers, food deliveries are risking their health and lives, as they are exposed to the virus.  The most who are at risk are the health care workers such as doctors, nurses and workers in the hospital.  Because of this, many of them have died. 

However, in March 2020, it was necessary for President Duterte to announce a lockdown in the whole country because covid-19 is highly contagious.  People were compelled to stay home.  Only one person per family can leave the house to buy essentials such as food and medicines.  The elderlies are not allowed to leave their homes.  Those who have to leave their home for legitimate reasons have to wear face masks and face shields.  Checkpoints were deployed at strategic places to check those who are on the road whether they have legitimate reasons for being outside of their homes.  They had to show their identification cards.  Frontliners such as health workers, garbage collectors, grocery workers, food deliveries are the only ones allowed on the road.  However, these frontliners are risking their health and lives, as they are exposed to the virus. Then, after about a month, many establishments closed their businesses.  As a result, many people lost their jobs.

At first, some people thought this pandemic would last only for a few months, but since the virus is contagious, even how careful a person is, it is still not a guarantee that he will not contract the virus.  Many new cases of covid-19 are reported daily on television.  Jeepney drivers lost their jobs because people are no longer going out.  These are the people who belong to the hand-to-mouth existence, including the minimum wage earners.

When will this pandemic end?  And why did God allow this to happen?  Is this God’s way to call our attention because we have been complacent, materialistic, lovers of selves instead of lovers of God? 

Our God is more powerful and greater than all the viruses combined.  We must give glory to Him by worshipping Him through obedience to His commandments and making the Lord Jesus the center of our lives.   

We must all return to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says: If my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.