One week after the government eased the lockdown, citizens are experiencing a new way of life. Many things may have been changed for the past several months and mat remain until we can invent a vaccine for Covid-19.
The virus pandemic has affected the world and we've adapted our lifestyle to reduce the risk of infection. Schools, universities and tutoring centres have shifted to online platforms as office workers have undergone work-from-home measures.
In recent years, K-pop idols have become the trendsetters for youngsters to wear a face mask in public areas but now the fabric masks are a requisite for everyone. My friends find that they can save both time and money because they don't have to put on make-up under a mask. A cosmetic bag is now packed with hand sanitisers and alcohol spray rather than lipsticks or eyeshadow palettes.
From last week, businesses restarted their operations and office workers returned to work. In Bangkok, the BTS platforms are once again crowded with thousands of commuters after being empty for almost two months. In fact, it's a familiar scene, but we've wondered: "How can we do physical distancing during peak hours?"
Convenience stores and supermarkets still adhere to the guidelines of the authorities. A fever check is conducted at the entrance and the amount of shoppers is limited.
The number of new infected has fallen to the single digits, but it's hard to live without worries. I prefer to order some takeaway or use the food-delivery services, although many eateries have already reopened dining spaces and showcased a new layout, allowing diners to sit 1.5-2m apart.
Many measures are issued to ensure safety. Some restaurants covering more than 200m² have to install partitions between dining tables. Meanwhile, they will break every two hours for cleaning. The other day, I went to a local fresh market and noticed some street food vendors had also crafted simple walls made from clingfilm to protect food and keep a distance between them and customers.
Those missing the fun atmosphere of shabu and Thai BBQ parties need to develop a new normal. A gang of friends is welcome but must sit at different corners of the table -- no sharing food and no up-close chit-chat. This is a new challenge for restaurateurs to survive if they can allocate only 20-30% of space to customers.
Life may not change much for some urbanites when barbershops and hair salons are allowed to trim, wash and style hair only. The number of customers is limited, while 20-minute breaks and customer records are required. To avoid a long queue, an easy solution is to call or make an online booking in advance. But for owners, these restrictions may cause a drop in income and it might be better to remain closed.
After closing their gates for months, public parks have come back to life. Sports lovers can get back on track for running, walking or cycling. Families can leave home and relax with nature, but it's harder to take a deep breath when all visitors are requested to wear a mask at all times. Visitors aren't allowed to picnic, but can join a non-group tai chi class.
The government lifted the alcohol sales ban last week but pubs and nightclubs remain closed. People are allowed to drink at home only now and we have seen a diminishing number of road accidents involving drunk-driving.
The viral video clip showing people struggling to buy alcohol drinks at a hypermarket raised the question: "Are we going to a new or old normal?"
We can learn from Singapore, Japan and South Korea on how to deal with the crisis. China is a good example for constituting a new normal to prevent the second wave of virus outbreak. With a low number of new infected cases, China's big cities returned to normal and domestic tourism has gradually recovered.
Back in Thailand, four airlines have recently resumed domestic flights to 14 provinces, with health restrictions and social-distancing protocols. There is no in-flight food service, while all passengers are requested to wear face masks and get through a fever check to reduce the virus transmission.
At this time, self-discipline is essential. It depends on us if the new normal is to be effective.
Pattarawadee Saengmanee is a feature writer for the Life section of the Bangkok Post.