Every country in the world is dealing with the Coronavirus in different ways. Here in the Philippines, the concern is just as intense as it is in most other countries, but as a developing nation the impact is different, as are people’s needs and behaviour.

By the numbers: As of yesterday’s count there are 202 reported cases in the Philippines and 17 deaths. Dumaguete had a death last week and that sent the city into panic mode – at least a bit.

Response: Manila is in complete lockdown. Originally, Pres. Duterte announced nothing would go in and out of Manila. This caused general panic in the country, since most goods are distributed through Manila. Panic buying hit Dumaguete: rice, hand sanitizer and masks, though not toilet paper. The government quickly amended the statement, saying the lockdown did not include commercial goods, which could be shipped in and out of Manila. This calmed things a bit.

Most every island and province has established curfews and general lock down. With 7100 islands the Philippines is completely dependent on its ferry system to get people from one island to another. No longer. Most ferrys are shut down. From Dumaguete, unless you can swim really, really well, you aren’t getting to Cebu. Flights are no better.

Now, the government did clarify that tourists wanting to leave the country would be accommodated, but the process seems to change on a daily basis.

General Impressions: Here’s what I have observed in Dumaguete, in no order of importance, over the last week or so.

Work goes on: The Philippines is a cash society. People need cash and need it daily to eat. Therefore as much as possible, work goes on. Trikes and jeepneys give passengers rides, construction workers continue to work, many (though not all) restaurants are still open, banks are open, the malls are open. Many of these businesses have shortened their hours but most continue to operate.

Starbucks: This morning Janet and I went to our bank to do some business; there’s only so much you can do online here; meaning almost nothing. Afterwards, we traveled along the boulevard. The restaurants were open but activity was modest. Finally I said, “I’m almost out of coffee beans, let’s stop in Starbucks to get a bag.” There was not a single person in Starbucks and they were very happy to see me and sell me a bag of coffee. Dumaguete’s Starbucks is usually packed from morning to night, but not now. It’s a good time to get an overpriced latte.

Social Distancing: Since we had to go out anyway, we took care of all our cash business; paying the electric and water bill, as well as the banking and the aforementioned necessary Starbucks run. All those entities had their chairs, which in the past were close together for maximum squeezability, arranged far apart. Some places took and returned money using a basket instead of possibly unclean hands. All government entities, banks and some businesses require face masks, but once you enter you find that half the employees are not wearing them. It’s tough for me. Hard enough for Filipinos to understand my American English; now impossible as I mumble through a mask.

Police Checkpoints: Dumaguete and its surrounding areas have lots of police checkpoints where they usually search motorcycle riders, trying to catch the bad guys. That’s changed completely. Oh there are still many checkpoints (perhaps more than before) but they are all for checking the temperature of each driver and rider. Everyone is pretty good natured about it and both Janet and I thanked the police because, let’s face it, it’s a potentially dangerous and thankless assignment.

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Police Station: Speaking of the police, yesterday Janet and I needed to go to the Dumaguete police Station to report a “harrassment incident.” It’s not something that I’m prepared to write about now in detail and we’re fine, but it was an interesting experience.

I certainly believe that one of the problems that is ramping up with our needed isolation is that some people will begin to crack up. Hell, Janet and I have seen some of that in ourselves. So this was an incident in which someone was acting out and it seemed reasonable to report it.

The police were professional. There was a rope separating me from the desk cop, requiring me to nearly yell at him through my mask to describe the incident.

The policeman took my reported incident seriously and advised me as to what to do to protect ourselves if it happened again. In the end I had to sign the report, meaning that I had to break protocol and come over to sign. But overall he was helpful and cool, qualities we are going to need in the times ahead.

Outdoors Activities: The good news is that we live in a tropical country and are not pent up in homes in cold areas of the Western world. So Janet goes outside and gardens. I go back to my shop to do a little work. We both like to take a walk around the neighbourhood. In short, we still can do most of the things we like to do, but the feeling is far different.

OTOH, gyms here are closed, as are Janet’s fave badminton courts. I haven’t checked out the local pools, but fortunately there’s an ocean to swim in and that ain’t gonna close – I hope.

Speaking of outdoors activities, I play golf Wednesdays with a group of friends. We played 18 holes yesterday. Now before anyone thinks we are doing a bad thing I should tell you that the course where we play, typically has no more than 3-4 groups on it at any given time, meaning that over a 75 acre layout there might be 10-12 people. We felt safe and took a picture which we posted to demonstrate our positive attitude.

In short, there are things you can do to keep life sort of normal, if you’re creative about it. I’ve been practicing my chipping in the back yard. I’m still no better at it but feel good. I wonder what the chances are that I can get Phil Mickelson to come here and give me a lesson?You’re gonna have a tough time getting in, Phil, but the courses are wide open!