COVID-19: Filipino Quarantine Life in the Province of Thailand

When the Thailand government implemented an emergency decree on March 26 due to the risk of Coronavirus, things altered a little bit for the lives of Thais and for foreign people living and working in this Kingdom.

Schools were already closed since March because of the school break vacation. Unfortunately, once the most awaited season, turns to a never-ending nightmare. People stay at home because they are afraid of the virus. Government officials are taking possible measures to curb COVID-19 spread.

I heard from the news that people are hoarding food and goods now, but this is not new since many European countries are doing the same, especially hoarding toilet papers, which is kinda weird, but we can't blame them. People think they need to survive- and by all means.

Bangkok is the epicenter of the pandemic in the Kingdom. Thus, people there are more affected. The government wants to avoid crowds and small gatherings, even going to coffee shops. It means businesses are closed, but not the online and delivery services.

In my area, businesses are still operating normally, except restaurants only accept takeaway orders and every supermarket assigns people to check customers' body temperature and spray disinfectant alcohol to their hands, in and out in the store.

There is still enough food supply so far for everyone, except eggs I assume. In Tesco, it's been two weeks, the egg shelves are empty. Glady, we can still buy eggs in the local market but at a higher price. Vegetables, rice, fish, meat are still available for everyone so far, but for an emergency situation I already stocked unperishable food at my house. So, for fresh food such as vegetables and fruits, I still can buy in the market, full geared- mask on and with hand sanitizer.

I don't go out in my house now unless it is important matters. I spend my time mostly by cleaning my house, washing clothes, watching movies, cooking new meals and baking bread or cakes. Yes! I do baking now. On the positive note, I learn to cook meals that I haven't tried before since I only know to make adobo and fried chicken. But now, I can cook sinigang, sweet and sour dishes and etc.

Hopefully, this pandemic will end soon, so that we can go back to our normal life.

One thing is for sure after this problem, people will value friendship, family, and life more.