The new normal after COVID-19

Business and life will never be the same after COVID-19. We’re already seeing how this dire situation is affecting the way we work, communicate, worship, buy, bank, learn, play, and even consult with doctors. Managers and employees are working and meeting online when normally they have to go to their respective offices.

I’ve talked previously about the sweeping adaptation to business continuity management practices, as well as the potential changes of how we work and play but it seems reality is unfolding much faster than I expected.

Technology has also caught up with the way people worship. Many religious figures and leaders responded to the government policy by deciding to set up a live stream their respective Holy gatherings or celebrations instead of opening churches/mosques/or the like doors until April 14.

In financial services, local banks have been heavily promoting their digital banking apps. Central banks are even starting to encourage digital transactions to avoid the spread of the virus. Donation campaigns are also being done digitally as well.

For non-critical health issues, telemedicine is encouraged and used. For those not having access to exclusive platforms dedicated to this, some opted using live streams via FB or IG Live to communicate. Both are used for official and unofficial use by our healthcare frontliners.

In the area of learning, companies and institutions have stepped up to provide free e-learning content and access to learning management systems.

In the coming months perhaps even days, people and organizations will be forced to adopt digital technologies to conduct their businesses and everyday lives. This will be the new normal.

Reviews will definitely be done to various systems of governance, education and healthcare.

More updates on Government response to COVID-19

The prices of basic necessities are frozen from March 16 to May 15, after President Rodrigo R. Duterte declared a six-month state of calamity in response to the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that this includes virtual vendors and individual sellers in the 60-day price freeze imposed by the government.

The Price Act, or Republic Act No. 7581, allows for the prices of basic necessities to be frozen at prevailing prices for 60 days or until lifted by the president when there is a declaration of a state of emergency or calamity.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has also opted to extend tax deadlines in line with the recent state of calamity due to COVID-19.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has urged the consuming public to do their transactions digitally to avoid crowds in light of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said there are advantages in going cashless amid the virus outbreak.

Government economic team rolls out Php27.1 B package vs COVID-19 pandemic. This covers efforts to stop the spread of the virus (Php3.1B) which includes the acquisition of test kits. DOLE’s social protection programs (Php1.2B) for vulnerable workers. SSS unemployment benefits (Php1.2B). TESDA’s scholarship programs amounting to (Php3B) that will support displaced workers through upskilling and reskilling. Various programs and projects of Department of Tourism (Php14B). Department of Agriculture Credit Policy Council for the survival and recovery aid program (Php2.8B). And another billion for DTI’s special microfinancing loan program for MSMEs to name a few.

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Be part of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) Volunteer Corps. They are accepting volunteers with medical and non-medical experience to help support the COVID-19 Operations of the facility. Register using this link: bit.ly/CCATVolunteer

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