We had to visit the big Perugia hospital today. Luther needed some stitches removed. While we were waiting the entire hospital went on lock down. We were in a waiting room but all the internal doors were auto-locked. Turns out there was a hospital wide meeting to explain all the new corona virus protocols to the staff. After 3 hours Luther got his stitches out. I admit, as the waiting room got more and more crowded I got more and more uncomfortable. So I left Luther to wait and I went to the car. I was so glad to get outside in the cold crisp air. I breathed deep. I’m sure it was all in my mind but I couldn’t wait to get out of there!
New notices.
Things change quickly. Today they closed all schools in all of Italy until March 15 at the earliest. All soccer games and sports matches, concerts, conventions, gatherings of any sort are cancelled until further notice.
Other news
On the radio we heard them suggest all elderly people (in the north this means over 65) remain in their homes. Also in the north (in the areas with large outbreaks) they are mandating one meter distance between customers in bars and stores. Also they have a four person limit in stores. So people line up outside keeping one or two meters between each other. And worst of all…no double kissing, hugging, or handshaking. This is darn near impossible for Italians! Un disastro.
Still, life goes on here in Umbria. Now, no gatherings, no school, but here it’s business as usual in Bar Mary downstairs. 🙂
Stay safe.
I think most things like that will be cancelled. Sad but, I guess, necessary. I heard weddings, funerals and masses are canceled too. We still don’t notice it here, except for the poor parents who are dealing with kids out of school until April! And sporting events etc. Otherwise we went food shopping yesterday. No panic buying. Restaurants are open and bars. But we do have 24 cases of the virus as of yesterday. Getting ready to do a new blog now. Take care.
We are planning to spend the 5 days of Easter in Assisi. I wonder if the processions will be cancelled. I guess anything is possible at this point.
Sky Melissa, Umbria isnt “exactly” on the front lines of anything! But we will be on alert at Bar Mary! 🍹
Wow Nancy, you are on the front lines! Don’t worry, there is enough alcohol in Bar Mary to keep Corona at bay. Hang in there. Melissa
I do hope so too. I just said to another commenter I wonder how long this will last? It is really devastating Italy’s economy. But I fear it’s just the beginning for the US. The virus has been spreading for weeks unchecked there. Only time will tell. Thanks for writing.
Oh, so sorry. That’s very sad. This virus is being very tough on the elderly. I wonder how long this thing will last…
This whole situation is just heartbreaking. Hopefully with all the cautious steps Italy is taking the danger will pass quickly. Stay healthy!
My elderly cousins in Rome have holed up in their homes, and told me today that if we come in April as planned they won’t see us. So we canceled our trip. We were leaning toward canceling anyway so it wasn’t a surprise. Still, it sucks mightily. We will probably go next year but haven’t thought that far ahead yet. 🙁 I hope that they’ll ride this thing out-some of them are in their 90s.