Rhea Santos shares what quarantine life is like in Vancouver, Canada

What's life like in Canada in light of the coronavirus pandemic?

The "Unang Hirit" barkada checked in on their former host Rhea Santos who is now based in Vancouver. Like many other cities around the world, it is trying to contain the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In a segment on the morning show, Rhea said she and her family were "doing okay" and are spending more time with one another.

Rhea also talked about how residents have "strictly" been complying to the guidelines set by the local government.

While there is no hard lockdown in the city, the Canadian government strictly enforces social distancing. According to its website, this includes "quarantine and self-isolation at the individual level as well as other community based approaches."

Residents must keep at least a six-foot distance from other people when they go out in public.

Rhea explained, "Ang Vancouver kasi, bahagi siya ng (region) ng British Colombia, so wala pa 'yung talagang sinasabi nilang shelter in place o lockdown. Ibig sabihin puwede kang lumabas, grocery o kaya pwede ka pa ring pumunta sa parks na bukas, pero kailangan talagang strictly observe ang physical distancing, ang social distancing."

She said she is still hoping that this won't be the "new normal."

"I’m hoping, I'm praying this is not the new normal kasi kailangan parin ng mga social interaction. Pero, syempre, kung dapat nating sumunod para talagang …malabanan itong COVID-19 dapat talagang sumunod," she added.

As of April 28, the Canadian government recorded more than 50,000 cases of COVID-19 in the country with at least 2,053 cases in British Columbia.

Rhea was one of the original hosts of "Unang Hirit" and moved to Canada in 2019 after 19-year career on the award-winning show. She is currently pursuing Broadcast and Online Journalism at the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

—Margaret Claire Layug/JCB, GMA News