A lot of businesses are uncertain as to when exactly this pandemic will end despite an announcement on transitioning from Enhanced to General Community Quarantine in Davao City on May 15. The pandemic has taken a drastic toll on most businesses, especially those involved in the tourism industry. Tourism-related establishments such as resorts in Davao including Malagos Garden Resort are preparing to resume as lockdowns will slowly be lifted.

There is still a lot to be done, as the effects of the pandemic will continually be felt even long after we successfully combat it clinically – hence, the “new normal.” Given the restrictions, here are some things you can expect in the tourism and hospitality industry as we brace ourselves for the new normal phase.

More Visual Cues in Public Spaces. Minimum public health standards, such as social distancing, wearing of masks in public, mandatory checking of temperature, and regular use of disinfectants shall always be in place. You’ll be seeing loads of signage, distance cues, and other precautions people need to be reminded of when in a public, shared space.

Seating Arrangements. Mass gatherings remain prohibited, except for essential work assemblies and religious activities as long as physical distancing of two meters is observed. Physical distancing also entails seating arrangements for restaurants and public utility vehicles. This may also drive up prices for services since these establishments may only run under reduced capacity.

Flexible Learning. Schools might need to suspend physically reporting to classes for a few months and adapt to a virtual learning scheme due to the prohibition of mass gatherings. Some institutions have shifted to online classes so as not to delay delivery of education to their students. How an online class will affect educational quality and the students’ ability to internalize their lectures is left to be answered.

New Supply Chains. Movement will remain limited to essential goods industries which need to continue operations. Still, the nonessential entry and exit of people to and from the ECQ zone is prohibited. In effect, we have limited options on the grocery stores and supermarkets. Despite essential goods and services being allowed to operate, there are those who have chosen to temporarily close for an indefinite period of time due to logistic issues. This might result in the development of novel local businesses that aim to address these blunders.

Local Government Units as mandated by the National Government are thinking of easing restrictions in a few days as there have been no announcement of an extension yet. For some people, those who have imposed stringent measures, are afraid of what will happen when these rules are lifted. One thing is for sure though: life after coronavirus will not be the same. People’s priority will now focus on their health—staying at home will be the new default, going out will only be for purposes deemed essential. 

However, hope is not lost. It is still important to be there for each other to fight even the effects post-pandemic. People might feel a renewed anxiety adjusting to the new normal but always remind yourself to keep it simple. Continue a hobby you started during quarantine, still stick to your routine—don’t overwhelm yourself with something new suddenly and always, ALWAYS stay safe.