By A.C.C Delen
For T.V series aficionados like myself, the title would bring scenes of violence, betrayal, and a never- ending quest for power. These are what made Game of Thrones such a hit with not just the audience in the U.S but the world over. The plot twists and turns had everyone on the edge of their seats, wondering what surprises each side has in store. “Winter is coming…was one of the catch phrases in one season. It both portended the literal arrival of a very cold winter as well as the steep challenge the warring sides is about to face.
The same is true of China. Summer is definitely gone and fall has just officially begun. Yet, the change from the suffocating heat to a cooler weather is so abrupt that it is not unlikely for people to start catching a cold. This is why “Winter is coming…” sounds ominous. After all, it was just last winter when the virus that turned the world on its head mysteriously made itself known. Experts continue to speak of a second wave and with the flu season that naturally accompanies the season of frost, it is not surprising that people are also on the edge of their seats…wondering if the pandemic that has been “tamed” (at least in the Middle Kingdom) for a few months is about to rear its head again especially now that the country is gradually opening up its borders for expats who are returning to work and their families.
Coming from the outside, I cannot help but compare the systems that are in place or in a lot of cases, not in place for keeping the virus from spreading. There are two vital components that are being used by countries that have had a measure of success in keeping their CoVid case numbers down. One is successful “mass” testing and the other is efficient contact tracing. Right now, everyone who flies in from outside China is tested as soon as they land on the airport…young and old. Everyone must also have a QR code that makes it easier for the city to keep track of the comings and goings of people. The information is centralized so there are lesser instances of having conflicting data. Should someone test positive of the virus, everyone considered a close contact is traced within hours and protocol is immediately set in motion.
Being a citizen of a democratic country, I can imagine the outcry that would ensue should government even suggest the idea of asking people to download a QR code and input personal data such as name and passport number. “Socially distanced” demonstrations are likely, with people defending their right to privacy and FB would almost certainly be taken by storm with yet others accusing the government of sinister plots and conspiracies that could put Tom Clancy novels to shame. And why not? We have seen the same things when the thought of having a national I.D system similar to that of South Korea was aired. Suddenly, everyone became vigilant about their right to privacy.
At this point, the Philippines has not reached that level of technology needed for the QR code to work so Filipinos are rest assured that their right to privacy will not be infringed upon. The country would most likely still be contact tracing the old-fashioned way…slow and unsure. Laudable brave individuals who test positive of the virus would post on their FB accounts. In the meantime, the rest of the country voluntarily throw out their own privacy right out the window by posting every conceivable detail about their lives to all and sundry through their social media accounts.
This opinion would be decried by many and I can be accused of being pro y’know what. But as an acquaintance has rightfully observed, when the government asks for the information, it is infringement of privacy but, when people post on social media, it’s an exercise of free speech. Go figure.
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