By Honorary Reporter Wendy Palomo from Philippines

A large banner encouraging the residents of Daegu and Gyeongsangbuk-do Province in their fight against COVID-19 on Feb. 27 hangs on the wall of Government Complex-Seoul. (Kim Sunjoo)

The COVID-19 outbreak in Korea is scaring us. Who isn't scared? Even if Korea suffers from a difficult situation, we do have things to be grateful.

Life goes on. Email, emergency and delivery messages are always going back and forth to allow us to get on with our lives. We just don't sit back and wait for what's next. There are things beyond our control but there's so much we can still do in the confines of our homes.

Emergency texts from public authorities (Wendy Palomo)

Emergency texts are sent to alert people about a situation. It might be annoying but it gives relief to know what's happening. The Korean government has sent warnings on bad air quality, cold and heat waves, and now the areas and whereabouts of those with COVID-19.

The country's online shopping and delivery systems are also exemplary. (Wendy Palomo)

The country's online shopping and delivery systems are also exemplary. Just about all groceries like meat, fish, milk, vegetables, fruits and other household needs are delivered to your doorstep. Delivery often goes well until the next morning, especially when a surge in orders is expected.

My children's school and international schools are not letting this outbreak take away from their school days. The government also postponed by one week the start of the school year for kindergartens and elementary, middle and high schools to March 9. They continue to teach children online.

My kids prefer to go to school but have learned to adjust because they have to. Teachers have also had to go out of their usual routines.

Schools offer online classes amid a delayed start of the school year because of the COVID-19 outbreak. (Wendy Palomo)

We will wake up one of these days and be grateful when the outbreak is over. What a joyful feeling that will be.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean