Fil C. Sionil It would have yesterday  for the authorities to lift the extended version of the ECQ. But as dictated by the unraveling developments, the original ECQ has mutated into various forms. From the extended version emerged the General ECQ with varying degrees of tightness – low, moderate and high. Nowhere under each category allows an individual to have complete freedom of mobility, particularly the i-generation and the geriatric/seniors (up to 20 years old and 60 years and above), including people with high-risk health issues. The principle behind this prohibitive guideline may be virtuous, avoid this grouping from unnecessary exposure to possible carriers, thus creating a second wave of infection, described to be “more damaging than the first.” Understandable. But, then again, isn’t the state literally placing people under this category, specifically the condo dwellers in a virtual prison cell? Though, still able-bodied, they’re locked-up in their four corners of the world brushing aside the psychological cost due mainly of their age as the “apparent” crime. Does this not constitute a “violation of human rights.” May the IATF can educate us. Authorities may have to revisit or redraft the guidelines. Involve the psychiatrists. The psychological cost will also take a toll on the wellness and health of an individual. At times, it’s asymptomatic like the health menace but it eats up, consume the well-being of a person. And without knowing it, an individual may have developed “cabin fever,” a distressing claustrophobic restlessness arising from being isolated location in a confined quarters for an extended period. Person having cabin fever may be referred to as “stir-crazy,” who may experience sleepiness or sleeplessness. It’s effect more potent or at par with the invincible virus. We’ve seen this happened when we questioned the logic behind Kate Space and Anthony Bourdain incidents despite their money and popularity. Admittedly , we’re not going back to our previous life. However, imagine the disappointment the virtual imprisonment has created. In a crowd sourcing I’ve done going to church to kneel in a pew to pray and thank the Almighty is one of the priority list of Pinky, who during the ECQ period her subscription to the early retirement program offered by her company prior the pandemic took effect. Paquito, on the other hand, wants a respite from home cooked food by having a sit-down meal in one of his favorite restaurants. Though a good number, both sides of the gender, want pampering – visit a beauty salon for manicure, pedicure, massage therapy, hair color and hair cut. While the decision-makers are trying to manage the state doing business to perk-up domestic activities as it a large portion of the economy was grounded to a halt, they must also consider the state of being of this particular sector of the constituents. Shielding them from contacting the infection, is a noble objective but, they, too, have to consider the groups’ wellness of being – the state of living a healthy lifestyle that impact the physical, mental and social well-being. This requires a tough balancing act. At this juncture, it’s not spring time for them, anymore, but rather it’s fall. Dusk. Allow them certain mobility… to savor the joy of watching the setting of the sun. Talkback to me at sionil731@ gmail.com