Daily Life in Italy during the Corona Virus Period, CoViD-19
Over a month ago, Italians heard about the 'Corona Virus in China' and had seen stories on the news about the Chinese Government's response to the epidemic. It seemed that this news was coming from far away and could not have reached the Italian peninsula. This was because it was a situation that would only happen to 'others'. A normal response much like other populations. People were slow to create emergency plans. In January, an Italian manager was urged to create an emergency plan. However, this was not the first time that the manager had been told that rules were needed to protect people against the common flu. But, it was important to be positive and not live in fear of the Corona Virus spreading beyond China.
People of all races, not just Italians are more inclined to see life from a positive perspective. However, sometimes planning for the best can be likened to kicking the bucket to someone else. Politicians are trying to find solutions to small businesses facing financial difficulties. Money is also being allocated for families who have to provide care for their children after schools close. These seem like the best options for the problems facing the country. However, the long-term consequences could cause the nation to become indebted and create difficulties for future generations.
Hugs, kisses and handshakes have been banned. The Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte has also banned soccer games for 30 days. Although this has disappointed most Italians, many others argue that soccer players should be allowed to maintain their distance. All sports events must be kept secret until April 3, which is a remarkable decision in a country that is known for its kisses on the cheeks.
COVID-19 interfered significantly with the practice and worship of Catholicism during February and March 2020. Yesterday the author visited Borgomanero's Church of Santo Stefano. There, custodians had just disinfected and cleaned the floor. There was not a single soul to be seen, not a priest or tourist. This allowed the author to concentrate on the frescoes, and the stunning stained-glass windows in silent silence. It is likely that one will see many churches in Italy without parishioners if one travels this month. This is because people are afraid to be together in closed spaces, no matter how accommodating or large they may be. Priests should remove holy water from Catholic churches to prevent the spread of the virus. Tourists and citizens can visit holy shrines but services must be performed via the internet and television. In recent years, thieves have taken religious artifacts from churches.
While the author has been investigating what is going on in churches across Italy, more information is available about soccer games and how the economy is surviving. This seems to be the main focus of the author's research. One example is the news, which highlights how low-level workers are being forced to work harder in order to save the name of "Made in Italy". This means that they hope other countries will continue buying their products in times when it gets difficult. One company that had been producing medical masks for 15 years due to Chinese competition had to suddenly reopen to meet the demands of the Italian people who didn't have enough masks to prevent COVID-19.
Ironic that there weren't enough masks in a country famous for its Venetian Carnival celebration was the fact that they didn't have enough. Unfortunately, Venetian Carnival parades were cancelled this year due to contagion. This caused the country to lose a lot of tourist dollars and triggered the current crisis in Italian tourism. According to Assoturismo ninety percent of Rome hotel reservations have been cancelled and the United States issued a level-3 warning for its citizens, telling them to avoid traveling to Italy in March. It is mandatory that travelers who travel to Italy must stay at home for 14 days upon their return to the United States. One leader of the Five Star Party was concerned that these travel restrictions could lead to discrimination against Italians or 'Made in Italy.' Many La Lega members believe in a bailout of 50 billion euros.
People who hated watching the news as they dislike politics, are now riveted to the TV to see the next developments, stock up on food and make-up, or go to work.
Positively, unlike Americans who worry about having to pay a lot of money to get treated for the Corona Virus in America, Italians don't have to take on a lot of personal debt to cover initial testing and subsequent treatments. The Systema Sanitario Nazionale is designed to treat all Italian citizens, as well as those with the right visa. Despite these intentions, it is possible that the health system will be overwhelmed by too many patients during this crisis. In a message sent at 12:30 on March 3, the Piemonte Region stated that simple operations that use the operating rooms had to be stopped (if not urgent) to stop the spread of the virus.
The Government declared that all schools and universities would close for one month from the fourth March. However, they will be allowed to teach online lessons when possible in an effort to stop the spread of the virus. Most Italians are sceptical of online education. Teachers have not been trained to use the online platform and students have not been prepared for this new learning environment. This experience will change the mindset of the Italians and teach them how to use the internet for learning, telecommuting, flexible work, and more.
According to the Decree of the Prime Minster of the Council (DPCM), citizens should limit their exit from the home if they are older than 65 years. They should also refrain from shaking hands and hugging and not kiss their loved ones in hospice and assisted living. Citizens are advised to not go straight to the emergency room, but to dial 112 before they do so to ensure they aren't positive for the Corona Virus.
Lombardia Region always use N95 Mask had closed all swimming pools and gyms, and also instructed its residents not to use the nearby health clubs. Lombardia residents interpreted the orders in a different way and decided to use the local sport clubs in the Piemonte Region. The Mayor of Novara, a city in Piemonte had to make an order for all the city's health clubs to be closed. Some people tried to get out of the Red Zones in Lombardia, attempting to reach their family elsewhere. Two public school teachers from Irpinia in the south were one example. They had been told not to leave Codogno but returned to Naples to rejoin their families. The entire condominium was forced to quarantine them.
Art enthusiasts continue to debate whether museums should be closed during the COVID-19 crisis. Museums are a great way to attract tourists from all over the world. They also bring in a lot of money. Additionally, foreign tourists must pay the tassa de soggiorno,which will be missed by cities like Rome, Florence, Venice, and many others if tourism declines. Tickets to museums can also sometimes be higher for non-citizens. Italians love museums and will not be disappointed if they close them for more than a month.
It seems that the cinemas, concert halls and theaters are opening again. However, Italian TV news advises people to make space for others. The owners of the venue should organize this so that there is a vacant seat between each two seats. According to TV reports entertainment lovers have been slow to leave. Many Italians don't fear going to the movies, but there has been a huge drop in sales due to empty theatres and concert halls. According to the Association Generale Italiana Spettacolo, there was a 44% decrease in ticket sales for entertainment over the weekend.
