Life Under Lockdown in Italy

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.

What we are obligated to do:

• Contact our doctor immediately if we have any symptoms.
• If we leave our homes, it’s obligatory to wear a mask and maintain a distance of one meter (6 feet) from other people.
• We can only leave our municipality for urgent reasons and must carry a signed document certifying our destination and the reason for our departure. Checks will be carried out at borders and at all city entrances, as well as along roads.
• Pay a fine of €200 for breaking any of these rules or go to jail. And it goes on your record.

Stores and services

Sectors permitted to stay open:

• Health and hygiene services: hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, dentists, optometrists, and veterinarians – but only for emergency and Covid patients
• Food and personal care – supermarkets, food stores, butchers, newsstands, and stores selling cleaning and hygiene products
• Industry (most factories are open)
• Communications sector – telephone, Internet, post offices, and shipping offices
• Utilities providing fuel, heating, lighting, water, and trash removal
• Hardware and construction sectors
• Banks and financial institutions
• Insurance offices
• Laundering services
• The travel (air, bus, train, car, sea) but for necessary travel only
• Funerals (but without ceremonies)
• Veterinary and pet food stores

Sectors not allowed to open:

• Education – schools, preschools, universities
• Food service – except for those serving hospitals, factories, highway rest areas, gas stations, airports, bus & train stations, etc.
• Entertainment – pubs, discos, nightclubs, amusement parks, gyms, pools, sports fields and arenas
• Churches and religious ceremonies, including weddings and funerals
• Outdoor public spaces – public parks and playgrounds
• Indoor public spaces – libraries, museums fairgrounds, conferences, events, rallies, concerts, manifestations
• Retail – open air markets, shopping malls, department storess, shoe and clothing stores, florists, and bookstores
• Personal care services – hair stylists, barbers, etc.

With all bars, pizzerias, gelato shops, and outdoor markets banned it doesn’t even feel like Italy!

Activities not allowed

Things we are not permitted to do:

• We can only leave our town for work, health reasons, or to assist non-autonomous loved ones,
• We must not have more than one other person in a car – and the second person must sit in the back seat.
• We cannot leave our home if we have any symptoms of the virus.
• We may not enter other people’s homes or allow them into ours.
• No physical contact with people who do not share our dwelling is allowed (no hugging, kissing, or hand shaking).
• We must avoid panic buying or hoarding essential items or medical supplies.

Things we are allowed to do:

• We may leave our homes to buy necessities – but only one person per day, once a day.
• We can eave our homes to assist non-autonomous family members.
• We can walk pets – but only one person at a time.
• We are allowed to take a 200 meter walk – alone or with one child.
• We can use our balconies or yards if they’re adjacent to our house – but only with family members.

But thank the Lord we can still

• 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

📷 Image credits: woman; others are mine