39 A New Wave of Panic

It felt like the mayor had dropped a bomb. Everyone in the conference room was breathless, dumbfounded by the unexpected announcement.

\"That's unbelievable!\" one reporter exclaimed.

\"They can't just do that!\" another one said.

\"Oh no, my daughter is studying in the school.\"

Everyone turned to her, pity and sadness were all over their faces. A friend offered her hand to console her.

\"We already have coordinated with the Health Department,\" the mayor was saying on TV. \"They will be providing the medical tents that will be put up inside the campus. In case the number will keep on increasing, we will be forced to utilize some of the classrooms, especially those in the newer buildings. Rest assured that the rooms will be properly sanitized for the operation.\"

Again, the mayor paused for a long time, as if thinking while giving his viewers time to absorb what he had just said. And when things sank in, the media men were both sad and infuriated.

\"They are placing the school in danger,\" one said.

\"It may only be the buildings that would be used,\" another agreed, \"but what if there will be mishandling of the operation?\"

\"Even if there is none,\" Estella added, \"how sure are we that the campus is safe for the children to use again?\"

There was a moment of silence as they all pondered on the question. By then, the mayor resumed his speech.

\"Our health experts will be handling the entire process with utmost care,\" he said, as if answering Estella's question. \"We will make sure that the conversion of Subangdaku Elementary School into an isolation camp will be foolproof and properly executed. We understand that the school is in the middle of the community, and hence, sound protocols will be followed and exercised.

Even after the outbreak, the medical tents will be suitably dismantled and disposed. Sanitization will be done in the entire campus to prevent any kind of possible infection. We care about the children of Subangdaku and so we will make sure that the school they loved will be once again clean and safe.\"

\"Do they really care?\" Chloe, Estella's friend, spoke up. \"Had that option been fairly discussed?\"

\"Well, that had been decided during their session meeting,\" Estella answered. \"But apparently, some decisions were hastily made.\"

\"Or they were influenced by unseen forces,\" Sonny added.

\"Forces who have plenty of interest in this matter.\"

The same live feed of the mayor's speech was also being watched in Subangdaku Elementary School. It was mid-afternoon and since most offices in the campus already had television sets, office staffs and teachers on break were able to watch it. They also shared the same mixed reactions - shock, sadness, worry, anger, and disappointment.

\"How could they do that?\" one teacher said in dismay.

\"They are insane!\" another exclaimed.

\"Oh no, please don't. Hope the authorities change their minds.\"

\"Imagine, the classrooms we had been decorating and taking care of for so many years will become like hospital wards!\"

\"Goodness, the amount of effort we put into them! They will all vanish in a snap.\"

\"They will all be taken down to sanitize the rooms.\"

\"Teachers, we need to calm down,\" the school principal addressed the people in her office. \"This is for the greater good. These are just classrooms. I understand we invested our time and dedication in beautifying its four walls. It has become like our own very house. But this is an extraordinary time. And whatever opportunity comes our way to help, let us all take it, wholeheartedly and with open minds. If this school will be able to contribute in saving lives during this outbreak, we should be happy and thankful.\"

The teachers became quiet, slightly ashamed of how they behaved and partly proud of their school head. Yet, the panic in their hearts could not be helped. What would they do if something bad happens along the way?

Back in the health center, the patients were also able to watch the mayor's speech in the lobby. They were joyed that the local government responded quickly to the outbreak, especially the establishment of a new medical facility and isolation camp in the school.

\"I hope they would also offer more free medical services,\" one patient said.

\"I agree,\" another chimed in. \"Medicines are really very expensive.\"

\"I'm just worried about my child. She is also having coughs like mine.\"

\"My son as well. I think I have infected him.\"

Worried and sad chatters went on in the lobby. Inside the conference room, tension escalated as the media men continued watching the mayor's speech.

\"I understand that this is a challenging time for everyone and we may encounter more difficulties ahead. That is why, I implore each one of you to cooperate and obey the rules and guidelines we are imposing. We advise everyone to continue wearing face masks and to practice physical distancing when going out of your homes. For now, refrain from kissing, hand-shaking, touching, and physically contacting people other than our immediate families. In this way, we can help prevent the transmission of the unknown disease.

\"Likewise, I implore everyone to remain calm and not to rush into panic. All services in the district will still be available and the supply of basic goods is still plentiful. Even if the cases surge, I believe there will still be enough to nourish and maintain a healthy lifestyle for everyone. Many resorted to panic buying last week due to the meteor crash but the supply chain remained steadfast. Hence, be at peace as supplies will be adequate for everyone and your local authorities are in excellent control of the situation as of the moment.

\"Citizens of Subangdaku, we are yet facing another difficult situation. But if we work together, we will brave through the challenges successfully....\"

The mayor went on to enumerate and thank several offices in command of the situation and various operations. After saying\" have a pleasant afternoon, \" he went off air. The health center, school, houses, and all buildings remained quiet as people weighed the statement of the mayor. After the initial shock, they immediately went out of their houses to purchase goods. In a matter of minutes, supermarkets and grocery stores were flocked by panicky buyers.