Just as people thought social atmosphere couldn’t have been worse amid HK’s protests last December, things hit rockbottom these days, with the global outbreak of COVID-19.

Travelling is banned. Ordering takeouts become a norm. Social gatherings become a taboo.

I guess everyone in society is somehow affected by the disease. I have an acquaintance whose favourite activities are all banned: going to fitness classes, large group gatherings, going to the cinema, you name it. For me, I don’t do those activities a lot, but business is indeed worse these days. Everyone has to suffer.

Yet social distancing shouldn’t be that much of a hassle. I’ve always thought the collective intelligence of a group is less than the sum of the individuals’. When we’re alone, instead of missing the days we hang out with friends, it perhaps is a good idea to clear our thoughts and prepare what’s next. Learning to be alone, enjoying to be alone without feeling lonely, those are the cures for isolation depression.

Please stay safe everyone.