Here are 5 lessons we should remember as we begin again

As we welcome the new year—2021, it might do well for us to look back, to take stock of the positive lessons that we can extract from what was an unprecedented year. For sure, numerous take-aways can be gained as we move forward and anticipate a more “mobile” next normal—especially since vaccine trials by leading pharmaceutical companies have been yielding encouraging results.

With that, here are 5 lessons we should remember as we begin again:

Always wash your hands

Perhaps the most frequent reminder worth noting is how the power of proper handwashing has been in full display. It has been proven effective in killing 99.9% of germs and should always be considered a first line of defense against sicknesses and diseases. 

Do not take sicknesses lightly

The previous year that was also demonstrated how a virus can easily and quickly transmit from one person to another. With this, one should learn to treat regular coughs, colds, and flu like a very harmful and contagious virus. That means that even if the pandemic eventually ends, it would be wise to isolate one’s self when they feel flu-like symptoms or anything of the sort.

Take care of yourself

But more than the physical and physiological, we also learned to focus on ourselves and safeguard our mental health, a practice which we should continue doing even as we start physically interacting with others—carefully—and as we slowly get back into our fast-paced lives.

Cherish each moment

At some point during the lockdown, there must have been a point where we all realized that we had taken some activities, events, and physical hangouts for granted. So, in heading out again with care, cherish and make the most out of every outdoor moment and create memories that can last lifetimes.

Always be prepared

But in our excitement to resume our normal lifestyle, hang out, and even hook up, it’s important to remember that health safety should always be a priority for us to continue to enjoy the best things life can offer, for a long time. 

So always be prepared and bring quality PPEs like alcohol, hand sanitizers, wipes, and even condoms—such as Durex—especially for those who have been craving for intimacy. 

To learn more about the best PPEs to use in the next normal and how to stay safe and protected both up there and down there, Durex has launched a series of insightful videos with Boys Night Out which you can catch on Facebook and YouTube.

Durex donates Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to local HIV-advocate groups

Durex, a brand that advocates HIV Awareness and health safety, donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to local HIV-advocate groups as part of their Protection and Preparedness Education Campaign, just in time for World AIDS Day.

A total of 1000 face masks, 1000 face shields, and 7000 boxes of Durex Condoms were each turned over to LoveYourself, The Red Whistle, and the PLHIV Response Center to help boost their efforts to combat HIV/AIDS amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and promote health safety.

The brand has been consistent in its efforts to spread HIV Awareness ever since the lockdown started here in the country. Launching the Protection and Preparedness Education campaign last September, Durex aims to further raise awareness on the importance of using PPEs like face masks and condoms to curb the COVID-19 pandemic and HIV epidemic in the country. They aim to remind Filipinos that alongside COVID-19, HIV is still a growing health crisis and that it deserves everyone’s utmost attention.

As of December 3, there have been 435,413 total reported cases of COVID-19 and around 81,000 total reported cases of HIV in the country.

The campaign seeks to educate Filipinos on health safety and the importance of practicing safe sex even during quarantine through a series of fun and informational videos with Boys Night Out and other personalities. These videos, which can be streamed via Durex’s 

Facebook and YouTube pages, tackle the best PPEs to use in the new normal and provide tips on how to stay safe and protected both up there and down there during this difficult time.

Check Out These Amazing Filipino-made Protective Gears on Shopee

With the ongoing global pandemic, it's essential to stay safe and protected. Support our homegrown businesses with Filipino-made PPEs and represent different regions of the Philippines available on Shopee. Here are some local brands providing protective gears that will keep you safe and protected:

Bambuhay

Bambuhay’s local farmers from Cotabato City and Nueva Ecija Province are hand-crafting eco-friendly face shields made from bamboo. Their hand-made face shields are lightweight and easy to disinfect, making it ideal for mobility during a lockdown. Also, Bambuhay sells eco-friendly products such as bamboo straws, rice, and wheat straw mugs, and bamboo toothbrushes, all made using natural ingredients.

Bambuhay provides eco-friendly products to heal Mother Earth from plastic pollution, deforestation, and climate change - all while empowering marginalized communities of farmers. Support them by going to their Shopee page here: https://shopee.ph/Bamboo-Faceshield-(B1)-by-Bambuhay-i.266750192.3347230546

Amianph 

Amian PH sells face masks made of hand-woven Inabel textiles in Pinilian weave sourced from the Ilocos Region. These face masks have a filter pocket for an added layer of protection with a comfier fit. Most importantly, it is washable, reusable, and breathable. 

Supporting these hand-woven masks also means supporting the livelihood of the local female weavers of Ilocos while preserving their centuries-old tradition. Find their woven face masks on their Shopee page: https://shopee.ph/Amianph-Inabel-Face-Masks-in-Pinilian-Weave-i.136584285.6144444000

At My Home 

These personal protective equipment lab gowns are Quezon City made and are available in free size S up to 3XL. It has a water-resistant microfiber fabric material, making it suitable for those who are always outside but want to stay protected. It’s also washable and comes with a head and shoe cover. Visit their Shopee page here: https://shopee.ph/Locally-made-Lab-Gown-PPE-i.16133072.6334993277

Nature’s Rain 500 ml

With germs and viruses everywhere, disinfecting and sanitizing your hands (and homes) are strongly recommended. Nature’s Rain alcohol comes in two formulations: organic-based ethyl alcohol used for hand sanitation and antiseptic isopropyl alcohol. It comes in a 1 gallon or 500 ml size, and they also accept bulk orders. Check their Shopee page here: https://shopee.ph/Nature's-Rain-Alcohol-70-Ethyl-Scented-1-Gallon-i.221846102.6042860420

Local Katutubo Masks

This shop sells face masks from Ilocos made of fully handwoven, Inabel cloth that comes in different designs. The face mask has the same shape as the N-95 mask, giving users full coverage from the nose down to their chin. Visit their Shopee page here: https://shopee.ph/Local-Made-Katutubo-Hand-Made-Inabel-Face-Mask-i.4113243.7539839064

Protecting yourself is essential, and you can do it while supporting small businesses. When you purchase from these stores, you are also sustaining the livelihood of marginalized individuals and micros, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and directly helping them grow their businesses online.

Download the Shopee app for free on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.