The red zone at serious risk in Italy, second wave of Covid-19!

Well, I am in the ‘Red Zone’, an area that is literally at serious risk! As of November 3, 2020, the Italian government has imposed new ‘anti-Covid-19’ restrictions, such as curfews and closures, which are most vital in the Red Zone. These restrictions apply to citizens, tourists, and non-citizen permanent residents. It surprised most residents when they received the news abruptly on television a few days ago. Of course, I shared the information that we were in the Red Zone with my friends who would be affected by the event. We are in the same boat, which means that we cannot enter or leave the Red Zone without a self-certification stating that we left the area out of necessity. In addition, no one can travel outside their legal municipality without self-certified reasons for work, health and absolute necessity, which they must present to the police if they are detained.

For now, everything looks the same outdoors in the countryside, and I’ve had a few opportunities to take some serene photos of Italy! However, this time there will not be many people singing and dancing on the balconies. Most people are not positive about restrictions or confident that they are appropriate.

Instead, small businesses fear for their survival in these difficult times. I’ve heard some conspiracy theories, like the one that these closures exist to help the government have more control over its residents. A handful believe that God is doing things right with a deep reason behind ‘His’ doing it. Most Italians were hopeful during the first lockdown, thinking “everything would have been fine.” Having been disappointed, many have been proactive in the protests. Over the past two weeks, there have been several demonstrations from a wide variety of groups insisting that they should be free to go outdoors without masks and that the government need not require a strict lockdown.

There are three levels of urgency represented by three separate zones: yellow, orange and red, with red being the worst. Of course, I’m in red! At this point, gyms, theaters, cinemas, museums and swimming pools are closed. While middle and primary schools are open, all higher level schools will be required to hold online lessons until December 3, something most Italian schools are not prepared for. Restaurants and bars in the Red Zone can only serve food and drinks at home, and the curfew is every day from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

Traders argue that these closures (in the Red Zone) endanger the survival of small businesses. Many small shops, already on the verge of bankruptcy before the second closure, have loans and expensive monthly rent to pay. They want to know how they can pay their bills if they are not making money while being ordered to lock their doors. In addition, lower-tier Italian artists have complained that they can’t make enough money without producing live shows and concerts, one of the reasons some top artists with excellent financial means have suggested making donations to help their less fortunate colleagues.

At this time, the Italian Health System (Sanitary system) is tense. On TV tonight, I saw reports of churches filled with many beds waiting for Covid-19 patients. Although Italian hospitals are looking for additional medical staff, they usually only offer temporary contracts (six months). This makes me wonder if medical staff are afraid to risk their lives without job security afterward. It seems that if the cases continue to increase, there will be no more room for patients in hospitals. For this reason, doctors are making more visits to the homes of elderly people in need. Fewer people with non-critical illnesses are being treated, and it is worrying that people with suspected cancers and heart attacks are often afraid to go to a hospital for fear of contracting the coronavirus or diverting care from critical patients.

Longevity in Italy is currently under attack from the evil coronavirus. Sick patients are being sent home early because there is no space or coronavirus security in some hospitals. This means that families have to provide services at home for their elderly relatives when, in regular times, more traveling nurses and doctors would have been accessible. (I asked about getting a flu shot only to find out you had to have a pre-existing condition to qualify for one if you were under 60.) This year, there is a shortage of flu shots, but it is believed that if residents wear more masks, they will be less likely to catch the common flu. Interestingly, before the pandemic hit, most Italians were opposed to flu shots, but lately, those anti-vaccine activists are quiet.

Covid-19 is onerous! He is a killer to be taken seriously. From what I can see, Italians over the age of 60 are generally a bit more conscientious about wearing masks correctly at all times when out and about. While younger Italians are more likely to go around without masks, there is a majority who wear masks to protect others, particularly when they have elderly grandparents at home. To tour Italy, one must wear a mask at all times and wash their hands regularly, avoiding touching their face! There are enough people who do not take the virus seriously, so tourists and retirees should take care. After all, masks have been proven to provide protection wherever you are.

Finding delicious food to prepare at home has not been a problem as the stores are well stocked. You can still have a good time in Italy, although I would recommend staying in a house with a patio or balcony in case the restrictions worsen. Someone can deliver food, or one might consider shopping (with protective masks) once a week at a nearby grocery store if there are no crowds. By refraining from buying too much in stores, people residing in Italy effectively protect themselves from exposure.

This is a great time to enjoy healthy Italian foods that support the immune system. Italian visitors and residents will benefit from a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as other fresh foods that are part of the traditional Mediterranean diet. The online aperitif (ie pre-programmed on Skype, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, etc.) now replaces the world famous Italian aperitif that accompanied the evening’passeggiata‘. So no matter where you are in Italy, you can still communicate online with friends and colleagues, embrace “working smart,” and even enjoy opportunities to meditate at home over a glass of delicious Italian wine. (November 6, 2020)