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 martial law. An unprecedented event for our time and day in a democratic nation. And to live through it seems quite surreal.
The Italian government reacted quickly. 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 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 a homebody, and because of my husband’s job, spend most afternoons and evenings alone. Actually, I’m less alone these days because with schools closed, he’s off work.
I only know what it must be like in places like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Naples, or even in the medium-sized towns from talking to friends and what I see on the news.
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 are obligated to do:
- Contact our doctor immediately if we have any symptoms.
- If we go out, we must wear a mask and keep at least 1 meter (6 feet) away from other people.
- If we must leave town, we have to fill out and carry a signed declaration of where and why we’re going. And they have “border checks” at all town entrances, and 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 including optical and dental – but mostly only for emergency and virus 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 – hair stylists, barbers, etc.
Bars, pizzerias, gelato shops, and outdoor markets banned! It hardly seems like Italy!
The streets are so empty
Activities
Things we are not allowed to do:
- Leave our town – except for work, health reasons, or to assist non-autonomous loved ones
- Have more than one other person in a car – and the second person must sit in the back seat
- Leave our home if we have any symptoms of the virus
- Go to other homes or let people into ours
- Hug, kiss, or shake hands with non-family members
- Panic-buy food, necessities, or medical supplies
Things we are allowed to do:
- Leave our homes to buy necessities – only one person, once a day
- Leave our homes to assist non-autonomous loved ones
- Walk pets – but only one person at a time
- Take a walk by yourself or with one child – but only up to 200 meters from our homes
- Stay on our balconies or in our yards if they’re adjacent to our house – but only with family members
- 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 do I give 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 even worse was seeing all the sickness and worry.
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
Signora Sheila 
25 responses to “Life Under Lockdown in Italy”
Hi Sheila, I didn’t know you were blogging again! I’ve been wondering how you are going and have sent an email (maybe I used your old address?) It’s so good to hear that you are well, even though locked down. We are praying for you xx
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Hi Anita. Actually never stopped just changed addresses. Most friends don’t know I’m blogging since I left FB. I DID get your email and answered. Perhaps for some reason it didn’t go through. I’ll check. Know that we are praying for you all too, as I hear things are getting worse in Australia too. Take care and stay safe!! Hugs to you all, e Buona Pasqua!!
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Sheila, Praying for you and the entire world. May this be a time that the world turns to the Lord. May you rest in the peace that only Jesus can give you, and may you and Mario remain healthy and pointing people to Jesus Karen
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Thanks Karen, yes we must really pray for one another in these days. Our hearts are at peace, and we know know God has it all in hand. As you said, we are praying that this may speak to people and they will turn to the Lord. How is it getting in your area? I think of and pray for you all. Take care and keep safe!
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Prayer is the key as we seek the things above. It is pretty crazy here. The grocery shelves are empty of canned goods, frozen veggies, bread, toilet paper, baby food, cleansers, sanitizers, eggs, etc. We’re in California, and there are limits on how many people can gather. People are panicking. We learned that this could be the new normal until August. That gives us much time to think about what is important in our lives. Praying for you and Mario. May the Lord keep you in peace and health. Karen
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Thankfully, here the panic buying didn’t last long. Our stores are well stocked. Only masks and alcohol seem to be lacking. And yes, we definitely need to use this time to reflect and also to deepen our walk with God. Social distancing, I believe, has come about in part to teach us to turn to God. He is always there waiting for us to start a conversation. Let’s do it!! Praying for all my readers, wherever they are, that God will protect and keep hearts at peace. He is our all in all!
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Sheila, I’m praying for you and Mario. I’m glad that Italy is getting better. We’re hunkering down. I hope to meet you and Mario in the years to come. You are precious in God’s sight. May the Lord bless you, give you peace, and joy. Karen
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Thanks Karen. People are at least calmer about shopping. Actually, panic buying didn’t last long. But sadly the cases and death counts are still rising. 😦 Praying it all ends soon, but I think it’s going to be a long and difficult haul. For all of us, everywhere.
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I saw another video on FB of a “balcony choir” accompanied by two accordions and several tambourines. The surrounding walls provided wonderful acoustics, and they sounded wonderful! I love how resourceful people can be, making lemonade out of lemons! Praying for God to use this world-wide crisis for his kingdom’s sake.
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I know, I also saw that one! And another where people went out on their balconies to clap for all the doctors and nurses. They’re great, aren’t they??! And yes. We must all pray that this crisis will bring people to call on him!
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You have offered a rare and insightful glimpse of life when almost all the regular things in your life has been disrupted. Thanks, the suggestions you offered are excellent. We are just beginning to experience some of this, one case has been diagnosed in the county in which I live, and all the schools, university and event arenas are closed for several weeks. We have the symphony next week and I am suspecting that will be eliminated also. Your concluding comment is “spot on” — Nothing can separate us from the love of God and from His Will for our lives. We may think of it as an inconvenience, but His purposes will be completed no matter what! His love is transcendent and powerful, and we are His if we have trusted in Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. Praise the Lord while praying for those affected by the virus, that the Lord will impress upon them the importance of coming to the Lord as their ultimate Healer and Friend..
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Thanks, Linda. I was hoping it would be helpful as this spreads more and more. Knowing how to prepare can help so much. I agree and am also praying that in their fear and worry people will turn to the Lord. For as you state, he is the only and ultimate healer and friend! Thank you so much for those encouraging thoughts! Hoping it won’t get worse where you’re at. But at least we know from where our help comes!
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Thank you for your kind words, Signora. Praying for you and your family through all this time.
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Thank you so much, and praying for you and all who are in places where this virus is striking. <3
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Thanks for posting Sheila. Plan to reblog so my friends can read. Praying for the world. This virus must bow to the name and blood of Christ.
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Amen Kathrine. All things and people, sooner or later, will have to. And what a blessed day that will be!
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I am glad you shared this.. it is helpful to know the truth, you will be in my thoughts and prayers, things have just begun interrupt life-here in Texas and in most places it has been dubbed the great toilet paper famine of 2020.
Many prayers—God Bless You
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You are most welcome, Lena. I figured some on the spot news would be helpful with all the fake news circulating. I do not understand this rush on toilet paper! This virus doesn’t cause diarrhea. Thankfully, we are not facing shortages here. Only masks and have run out. And disinfectants like alcohol are low. But we have plenty of everything else – including toilet paper, lol! I praying the virus doesn’t escalate around the world! Many prayers for you all too.
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This was really helpful, thank you so much for sharing! Continued prayers for everyone!!! 💗💗💗
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Glad it was helpful, TR. I hope things won’t come to this in other places. So yes, let’s keep praying!! Love and blessings to you!
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They are already talking about a possible quarantine in my state. We got groceries two days ago, and I’m considering venturing out one more time just to get a few things I didn’t write down.
Continued prayers for all nations, yes! ❤
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Good. The state where my family and our son lives and where my husband’s family lives are under state of emergency. Hubby’s family all live in and around NYC, and I fear things will be worse in the big cities. All we can do is pray, and trust knowing that God is in control. 🙏🙏 Yes, stock up, in a sensible way. We’re pretty sure our lockdown here will be extended. Cases are not yet declining.
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Our state, too. Continued prayers!!!
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Praying for Italy and the whole world. Grace and peace to you all!
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Thank you Ryan. Yes, we must pray for the whole world. We are all affected at this point. May this all pass soon, and may it open hearts to hearing about Christ’s great love!
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