Living in a pandemic

It’s been more than a year that we are living in a pandemic.
I agree with health.cleveland clinic.org that the pandemic has changed how we work, learn, and interact as social distancing guidelines have led to a more virtual existence, both personally and professionally.
As precaution, even government agencies have adopted alternative work arrangements. Here are some of the arrangements that were implemented to mitigate the spread of the virus that causes the Covid-19:

1. Work-from-home – refers to an output-oriented work arrangement that authorizes the worker to produce outputs/results and accomplishments outside of the office;
2. Skeleton (skeletal) workforce – refers to a work arrangement where a minimum number of employees is required to man the office to render service when full staffing is not possible;
3. Four-day (compressed) workweek – refers to a work arrangement whereby the employees’ workweek is compressed to four days each week;
4. Work shifting/flexible (staggered) working hours – refers to a work arrangement applicable to offices/agencies that observe work shifting or flexible working time; and
5. Other alternative work arrangements – refer to work arrangements consisting of a combination of the above enumerated work arrangements or other work arrangements subject to the prevailing community quarantine in the area where the agency is located and appropriate/applicable to the agency mandate/functions.
   Other sectors and private institutions have also been affected but despite these, everyone is doing their best to survive in this pandemic.
   The learning system also has changed to virtual and other learning modalities such as distance learning. Distance learning, according to teacherph.com, refers to a learning delivery modality where learning takes place between the teacher and the learners who are geographically remote from each other during instruction.
   This modality has three types: modular distance learning, online distance learning, and TV-based instruction. The Department of Education is not ready with these changes but all those involved in a child’s learning have done their best to help the learners survive school year 2020-2021.
   The communication system has also brought many changes to our lives. Seminars, training, and meetings are done virtually. Activities requiring a large number of people are now limited. The way we communicate with others is sometimes challenged by the face mask and shield we wear. Despite this, we are doing all possible ways to communicate with our friends and relatives in far places.
   Living in this pandemic is not easy because we are all faced with challenges – the challenge to change, to improve, and to work. However, no matter what we do in life, do not forget that God is always with us and that whatever happens he is our shield against the Covid-19 so that we will live contently in this world of pandemic. (CECILIA A. ALUMNO)