Life in Lockdown

Unsurprisingly there hasn’t been much to write about recently. But quite a few people have been in touch to see how things are going over here, so thought I’d put an update on. It’s all fine! From a health point of view, my immune system returned to a normal level a month after finishing chemotherapy back in September, so I’m no more at risk of catching the virus then anyone else now. The figure of people infected in our province is still quite low in comparison to the rest of the country and now other countries too which is reassuring.

From a social point of view the term ‘lockdown’ is being used quite a lot in the media but it isn’t quite the situation it conjures up in one’s mind, well not here anyway. We are still allowed to leave the flat, we’re not under house arrest. The authorities just don’t recommend leaving unless it’s to shop for essentials, work or an emergency. If you’re stopped by the police you just need to have certain paperwork to prove as such. So I’ve been popping to the supermarket most days on Giuseppe to get some supplies and to get some fresh air. The flat doesn’t have a balcony or any outdoor space so it’s nice to get out. Until Saturday, the city walls and public spaces were still open so we could go for a run or walk around the city, but the authorities have now closed all of these. So I’ve resorted to running or walking laps of the big piazza at the end of the street.

The supermarkets have introduced restrictions on how many people are allowed in at once, so occasionally we have to wait outside. There’s also a one metre rule which must be obeyed everywhere. But the supermarkets and food shops have remained fully stocked throughout, with no visible panic buying at all. Apart from the face masks, gloves and more space, you wouldn’t really know there was anything amiss. Common sense seems to be prevailing and everyone seems quite content. The enforced closures of other shops, bars and restaurants seems to sit well with the Italian ethos towards work!

Unfortunately I’m yet to hear opera singing from balconies, or communal harmonising up and down streets, (as seen on internet clips in other parts of Italy). But yesterday, as I was on my 11th lap of the piazza, a group of nuns were hanging a decorated sheet from their balcony painted with a rainbow and the saying ‘Andra Tutto Benne’ meaning ‘All will be well.’ Something that has cropped up around town, obviously created by young children and adults a like in an attempt to keep spirits high.

With the move to Naples on hold until the situation changes, I plan to fill my time by learning (or attempting to) some Italian, reading, getting out in the sunshine when possible and learning a bit about the wonderful city that we find ourselves in. Some of which I’ll share in my next post along with some photos. So wherever you’re reading this from I hope you manage to stay safe, happy and healthy.