Sometimes I think about what I could tell future generations about the current times: I imagine myself sitting on a very comfy armchair, surrounded by eager and curious little ones, with my hair white and a warm blanket on my tired legs.
In this vision, I am probably eighty and I have seen a lot.
Or maybe I haven’t seen a lot but, still, I have experience on the matters of the existence. Surely, up until this past week I would have never imagined myself as an old auntie scaring the children about that time when the whole world went on a pandemia because of a brand new kind of influenza.
While volunteering.
In another country.
So this is it: the planet has gone mad over Coronavirus.
First it was only China, then it came to Europe, then Korea went on quarantine, and now it’s Italy’s turn. I am sure my loyal readers have heard it all at this point: countless of infected, hospitals saturated, nobody leaves the house.
It’s the End of the World as We know It, there’s a song by R.E.M about this (with this exact title, no less).
During these dire times, I would like to clarify the situation, as much as I can, and give some tips, even if some of them may seem obvious. First of all, this virus is not to be taken lightly but, at same time, this does not mean that you have to panic and call the police in a frenzy.
They have already enough work to do without people screaming in terror over the phone.
Unfortunately, the main problem with Covid-19 is that we do not have a cure that works in a reasonable amount of time, and of course we will not have a vaccine any time soon. This means that sick people will have to be hospitalized for a long time (6-15 days estimated) in order to contain the spreading of the virus and finding ways to treat it. Now, I can’t speak for other countries, and I strongly hope that the situation is not that difficult already, but in Italy we do not have enough beds for everyone.
During the past ten years there have been huge cuts on public health care, and in general our resources and work forces have been strongly affected. The system works fine of course, but even rocks in the ocean get swallowed by water and wind, little by little. At the moment, doctors and nurses are working 18h shifts in order to help those who are admitted in the hospitals. Our Intensive Care Unit places are limited: this is the main reason why our Prime Minister has decided for a lockdown of the whole country.
How is life while on a lockdown? It is not difficult, but it is mandatory to reorganize daily routines and follow simple rules.
People are allowed to go outside for groceries and medication, and in general for buying basic necessities, so no problem if you run out of thootpaste, you can go buy it. While on shops, a distance of minimum 1 metre beetween costumers is required, and entrance one at a time. Again, not something impossible. Taking strolls is not prohibited, but autorities recommend to keep distance from others and to not gather.
So no gossiping with your neighbour for a while, but there’s phones for that.
People who work on private companies, or in general places where you can mantain the distance and avoid direct contact are free to reach their destination and go back home, but they need to compile a form stating that they are going to work and not to party, and carry it with them and show it to authorities.
There is a fee to pay if the form turns out to be false, and people who try to cheat will be charged. Trust me, NOBODY wants to enter the jungle that is italian justice system.
And spending God knows how much euros for an attorney.
So that’s it, you stay at home (there’s even an hashtag for that: #iorestoacasa), and you are good to go.
This said, I sincererly hope that no other country has to resort to lockdown, but I am afraid that there is no other way to prevent the collapsing of our hospitals. The virus spreads like crazy, and attacks mostly elderly people (but not only!), and in general whoever has chronic ilnesses, was affected by previous patologies, and has a weak/compromised immune system.
People with genetic issues and disabilities are also to be taken into the count.
This is already a fairly big percentage of population, so all of us must give contribution to keep our fellow citizens safe.
You know that surprise dinner you wanted to organize for your best friend’s birthday? Better to have it next month; no biggie, more time to organize the best party ever.
Planning on going to grandma’s this Sunday? I know she will probably be unhappy and treat to leave you out of inheritance or at least not making you pierogi anymore (I KNOW, I am crying with you), but better postpone your visit.
That meeting you absolutely must have with your coworkers? Use Skype! It’s fun and you can stay in your pajama. No painful high heels for once.
And so on. Avoiding leaving the house, except for work and necessities of course, is the best way to stop the spreading of big bad Corona. Other than this, strictly following government dispositions helps to mantain calm and be ready for additional restrictions.
I am sure you will be responsable and you won’t go raiding the supermarkets like an athomic bomb is about to be dropped…
…right?
As for me, I am more sad than afraid of the situation.
Speaking frankly, I am concerned for an economy that’s already in a bad shape and for my own stay in Poland. I DON’T want to leave and stop the project, God forbid, if the situation gets worse. I am trying to stay positive and using this time off work to prepare new classes.
I know it’s strange, but I miss the students I didn’t even had the opportunity to meet yet.
Crazy, but I guess this is volunteering at the time of pandemia.
Rajska blog 