To say that life in metro might be returning to the ‘old normal’ would be quite an overestimation of the mere fact that parks have been reopened for the public, albeit with caution. While the announcement by Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) in this regard, sure comes as a breath of fresh air — literally, for the homebound (read socially isolated and physically distanced) people who were badly missing going for a walk the park — there is still a lot to be considered before the general public erupt joyously into the likes of Racecourse and Model Town.

Mother Nature’s healing powers notwithstanding, visiting a park isn’t going to be as stress-free as it used to be. When your mind is constantly alert to thoughts of how to maintain a safe distance from others in the park, what to touch and what not to, it only adds to your anxiety. It doesn’t even help to see that the entire world’s people around you have covered their faces with masks and hands in gloves. It only serves to remind you, every step of your jog or walk, of the very painful reality you are here trying to forget about. Or, doesn’t it?