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Your pre-pandemic life is gone for good. Covid is here to stay.

By on February 19, 2022

The unexpected emergence of the Omicron variant in November taught us a lesson-that nature isn’t bringing back our pre-pandemic lives.

They have been replaced by virtual learning for schoolchildren, working from home, and limited mobility.

Last year, Japan started its vaccine drive and people felt hopeful that once more than half of the population get vaccinated, herd immunity would slow down viral transmissions. It hasn’t been the case. The experts learned that the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines developed specifically for previous variants wanes over time and that people now need a booster for maximum levels of protection against the more vaccine-resistant Omicron variant.

Japanese experts are scrambling for  novel ways to cope with the surge in number of critically ill geriatrics without overwhelming Tokyo’s health care system.

The seven-day average caseload in Tokyo appears to be decreasing according to the metropolitan government. Yet, experts have decided not to relax COVID-19 alert levels just yet.

Scientists all over the world argue that even if the number of COVID cases dropped significantly, the virus disappearing over time is clearly not going to be the case. As long as it was still spreading in animals, the strain could spill over into humans, with unknown levels of disruption in our lives at another time.

There is still much to do for families to become better prepared for new variants although most scientists predict infections may happen in modest, predictable rates as we build up immunity.

In Tokyo, the rise in COVID-19 patients requiring ventilators is draining its health care resources, a reminder to follow all health protocols to avoid hospitalization.

We are all entering a new chapter in our live requiring skills and instincts to help us navigate the transition.  Schools closed? Worried about jobs, money?

It is normal to feel stressed and overwhelmed by the effects of this prolonged health emergency.

School shutdown, changes to routine and how everyone at home are managing these changes is the major theme of this pandemic. Adjusting to all of these changes can be hard.

By letting children know that their parents are adjusting too, alternative ways of having family time can still be fun. Create an environment at home where children feel loved and secure despite not being able to go to matsuri, concerts, movie like you used to before the pandemic.

Can your child actually do what you are asking them? It can be hard for a child to keep quiet inside the house for a whole day but maybe, they can keep quiet for 15 minutes while you are on a call.

Shouting at your child will just make you and them more stressed and angrier. Get your child’s attention by using their name. Speak in a calm voice. Try praising your child or teenager for something they have done well. They may not show it, but you’ll see them doing that good thing again. It will also reassure them that you notice and care.

For those with young children, read a book or look at pictures together, make drawings with crayons or pencils, dance to music or sing songs!  Do a chore together– cleaning or cooking game. Help with school work.

Teens especially need to be able to communicate with their friends. Help your teen connect through social media and other safe distancing ways. This is something you can do together, too!

 

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