MARI
Wedding plans; exotic travel destinations; pledges for the perfect physique. Few were thinking of conserving their incomes, of practising sustainability and moderation. The hopeful hashtags continued for a bit into 2020, even as other key indices began emerging worldwide in January. Articles carrying headlines like: Mystery virus. Scientists claim new strain. Citywide lockdowns. A particular President pithily proclaimed it ‘The Kung-flu’, even as he pronounced an endearing friendship with the premier of the virus’s originating nation. Well, 45 also said the little flu would retreat by Easter. Locally, the virus marched into March as the government convulsed and foamed at the mouth. Yet a glance at the hashtags reveals the more collectivist nature of this population. #StayAtHome #DudukRumah #KitaJagaKita Still, fear was here to stay. Top searches on Google: Does sanitiser kill COVID-19? Is China responsible? Will MCO be extended? Can alcohol kill COVID-19? A minister recommended consuming warm water as a remedy. The population reacted scornfully. Boredom was hard to keep away. Virtual home workouts artificially sustained the 2019 fitness pledges even while commercial gyms saw their memberships (and muscles) atrophy. A sudden mania for Dalgona coffee was mercifully brief.
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