Life in Italy at the time of Coronavirus
I can't deny the situation here in Italy is more than serious. Coronavirus went as far has having the entire Country locked down. We cannot basically drive out of town, and flights are near to zero in 'n out of Milan. All schools and public venues are shut nationwide -- from gym to movie theaters, soccer events to many categories of business. No audience at TV shows. And every person if really in need to be out -- is required to stand one meter away from others.
For the sake of our old folks
Overall we are recommended, plead, implored by the Government and Health authorities to stay home. Please stay home! Even if we individually feel safe out there, we might affect elderly and vulnerable people, without knowing.
I admit I didn't take that too literally up to a few days ago. But insiders and friend doctors report a dramatic situation at hospitals. By experience I have a great appreciation for the Italian health system. The high number of infected people reflects the systemic testing that was started earlier than any other western Country. Doctors and paramedics are working relentlessly, night and day, and not only are exhausted, but are cracking emotionally for the lives slipping away from their hands on a daily basis.
A good system under huge pressure
The breaking point is that the number of infected people is increasing faster then the increasing of intensive care rooms available, and equipment needed to treat pneumonia, as a consequence of the virus. It's not a shortage, it's just too many cases at the very same time!
As a family we are safe. The girls are having fun doing home works via conference calls. Roberta will go to her office only two days this week. I am lucky to have my studio upstairs, and some portrait commission to work on. Otherwise 90% of students do not show and maybe I should cancel the remaining 10%. Forget about economy!
Prayers for those fighting alone
That's just to give friends and family abroad a picture from inside. And to suggest you to take it seriously. Please do not trust those who minimize the issue! Even if they wear the presidential suit! Here we stay positive, reconsider our agenda and try to enjoy family and homely time.
We pray for those struggling on a hospital bed, who cannot even have the comfort of their family hold their hands. We are so grateful to the professionals on the frontline and even for the Government for they're doing the right things this time! Let's hope this will be over soon, and that we can hug again!
Take a lot of care! -- Francesco
Please leave a comment and visit www.francescofontana.com
I can't deny the situation here in Italy is more than serious. Coronavirus went as far has having the entire Country locked down. We cannot basically drive out of town, and flights are near to zero in 'n out of Milan. All schools and public venues are shut nationwide -- from gym to movie theaters, soccer events to many categories of business. No audience at TV shows. And every person if really in need to be out -- is required to stand one meter away from others.
For the sake of our old folks
Overall we are recommended, plead, implored by the Government and Health authorities to stay home. Please stay home! Even if we individually feel safe out there, we might affect elderly and vulnerable people, without knowing.
I admit I didn't take that too literally up to a few days ago. But insiders and friend doctors report a dramatic situation at hospitals. By experience I have a great appreciation for the Italian health system. The high number of infected people reflects the systemic testing that was started earlier than any other western Country. Doctors and paramedics are working relentlessly, night and day, and not only are exhausted, but are cracking emotionally for the lives slipping away from their hands on a daily basis.
A good system under huge pressure
The breaking point is that the number of infected people is increasing faster then the increasing of intensive care rooms available, and equipment needed to treat pneumonia, as a consequence of the virus. It's not a shortage, it's just too many cases at the very same time!
Teresa attending Chinese class via Whatsapp
As a family we are safe. The girls are having fun doing home works via conference calls. Roberta will go to her office only two days this week. I am lucky to have my studio upstairs, and some portrait commission to work on. Otherwise 90% of students do not show and maybe I should cancel the remaining 10%. Forget about economy!
Prayers for those fighting alone
That's just to give friends and family abroad a picture from inside. And to suggest you to take it seriously. Please do not trust those who minimize the issue! Even if they wear the presidential suit! Here we stay positive, reconsider our agenda and try to enjoy family and homely time.
We pray for those struggling on a hospital bed, who cannot even have the comfort of their family hold their hands. We are so grateful to the professionals on the frontline and even for the Government for they're doing the right things this time! Let's hope this will be over soon, and that we can hug again!
Take a lot of care! -- Francesco
Please leave a comment and visit www.francescofontana.com
May this be the final growl of this virus. Wish you safe and short homestay.
ReplyDeleteWe definitely hope so. Thank you Simona!
DeleteGood to hear from you. I have been thinking about you and wondering how it was affecting you.
ReplyDeleteWe're just coping with it dear Carolyn! Stay safe too!
DeleteThank you for your sharing the seriousness of the situation. We in the US aren't fully aware overall and this is of the utmost importance that we prepare ourselves. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteNo need to panic, just ask claim that authorities do their job and make testing easy access and free! Thank you Glenda!
DeleteMy heart is with you, Francesco. PLease be safe. I am glad that your government and people are taking this seriously, certainly more so than here in the States. God bless.
ReplyDeleteDear John appreciate your concern! I must say here people were surprising slower than the government this time in understanding we had to stop messing around.. Hope it's going to be soft on the US. Take care my friend!
DeleteThanks for a really good blog post...and great advice. Best wishes and good health to you, your family and your countrymen!
ReplyDeleteSame for you Julie! All the best!
DeleteStay safe, Francesco. I'm in Spain right now. Pray it says contained and ends sooner than later. Bless you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteStay safe too Carole, we were in Barcelona two weeks ago, and it was great! We loved MEAM museum (just 4-5 visitors in it). Hugs!
DeleteStay well Francesco and family. All our best from Oregon, USA!
ReplyDeleteThank you 'unknown' oregonian friend. Best for you too!
DeleteFrancesco, I offer a prayer that you and those you love escape with their heath intact. I also pray for those not so lucky. Stay well.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much Louise, stay well too!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Nayarit, Mexico. Thanks for posting your informative blog. Nice to know you and your family are in a safe environment. I pray for Italy to pass through this contagion and recover quickly.
ReplyDeleteJoe, thank you so much, likewise wish you to be safe!
Delete