As I’m sure almost everyone knows, we’re going through a strange and most unusual time here in Italy, with the nation in an almost total lockdown. It’s like living under martial law. An unprecedented event for our time and day in a democratic nation. And to go through it seems quite surreal.
The Italian government reacted quickly to the threat of this so-called novel virus. Overreacted, if you ask me, ostensibly in an effort to stop the spread of this virus and save lives. Time will tell.
Life under lockdown
But just what is life like under lockdown?
Weird. Eerie. Lonely. Perhaps I personally feel this less than many people, because our small town is usually quiet anyway. Plus I’m mostly a homebody, and because of my husband’s job, I spend most afternoons and evenings alone. Actually, I’m less alone these days because with schools closed, he’s off work.
For Italians, a social and gregarious people, it’s especially hard. Italians love to hang out in piazzas and little courtyards. To stop off at the bar for a coffee, a cappuccino, or a beer, mostly just to hang out together and catch up on local gossip. We hug. We greet by kissing both cheeks. All of this has been put on hold. And it feels strange. We feel cut off.
We’re locked in our houses 😡
What we can do:
- Take a 200 meter walk – alone or with one child.
- Walk dogs.
- Use our balconies or yards if they’re adjacent to our house and only with family members.
- Pay a fine of €200 for breaking any Covid-related rules or go to jail. Infractions go on your criminal record.
What we can’t do:
- Leave our homes except for necessities. We must wear a mask and maintain a distance of one meter (6 feet) from others.
- Valid reasons for going out: Purchase of food & medicine; Medical visits (mostly for Covid patients only); Work (certain sectors only); Banking & bill-paying; Funerals (immediate family only); To assist non-autonomous loved ones.
- We can leave our municipality only for emergencies. We must “show our papers” at checkpoints along the roads.
Valid reasons for going out: Purchase of food & medicine; Medical visits (mostly for Covid patients only); Work (certain sectors only); Banking & bill-paying; Funerals (immediate family only); To assist non-autonomous loved ones
We can leave our municipality only for emergencies. We must “show our papers” at checkpoints along the roads.
Sectors not allowed to open:
Schools; Food service; Entertainment; Churches; Public parks & playgrounds; Retail stores; Hair stylists
With all bars, pizzerias, gelato shops, and outdoor markets banned it doesn’t even feel like Italy!
The streets are so empty 😥
On the bright side:
I’m trying to look on the bright side, and I thank the Lord that so far no one has prohibited the following things:
- Connect with others by phone, Internet, and mail
- Shop online or through telemarketing
- Read, listen to music, play games, watch movies, laugh and dance
- Do crafts, learn a new skill, or write
- Pray, study, and worship God
- Sing and play music – like many Italians have done while sitting on their window sills!
Why am I giving so many details?
Because it’s a serious matter. And to give you an idea of what to expect because other nations are starting to follow some of Italy’s measures.
Is it easy?
Of course not. No one likes giving up the safety of their routine or the things they love. Or going without pay (as in our case). Hubby’s job is one of those that fell through the cracks. But the worst thing is seeing people so worried and depressed.
No, it’s not easy, especially with the doubts I have about the validity of the whole thing. But it helps to remember that no wall, no barrier, no restriction can ever separate us from God’s love. He is always with us!
Love is larger than the walls which shut it in.
Corrie ten Boom
Photo credits: Woman | Others are mine.
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