When we interviewed Eleonora from Milan, Italy 2 months ago, Italy had only just gone into lockdown, being the first place outside of China to do so. Now that the lockdown measures over there have since eased up, we checked in on her to see how she’s been.
“I actually realize how lucky I am, especially compared to the many people who lost everything because of the virus.”Q: Hi Eleonora, welcome back! How’s Milan and how are you and your mother?
A: Hi Sara, we are both doing well, thank you. Milan has been back to being very lively in the last couple of weeks. I guess people could not stand to stay at home any longer, especially with the warm weather 🙂
The last time we spoke with you, you were in lockdown. What happened next in the months after and how was that experience for you?
Lockdown actually ended on May 4th; since then people were allowed out but they only can move inside the borders of their region of residency, then on the 18th most stores reopened (thanks God, hair saloons too).
What were the first things you went out to do when the lockdown in Italy was eased in early May? And how did it feel being able to do them?
I had a coffee at my usual coffee place, however I remained quite cautious as I am still very concerned about my mum getting sick.
What are the numbers of COVID-19 infected, recovered and demised in Milan and Italy right now?
Numbers of new infections and deaths have lowered drastically, some virologists even mention the fact that the virus seems to cause a less aggressive disease.
Yesterday (June 5th) new cases were higher compared to the day before; 518 vs 177. The total of healed case is 163,781, while the actual positive cases 36,976. Deaths are also very low compared to the past months; only 85 deaths yesterday. Today it is a bit better: 27 new cases and 72 deaths with 165,078 healed cases. Only about 300 people are in ICU at the moment.
Why do you think the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths have been falling despite the easing of restrictions? What made that happen?
Well, people are not confined in their homes any longer, but measures are still in act, such as wearing a mask outside, respect the social distancing, taking the temperature to access any store or bar or restaurant. Not being able to go out for almost 3 months helped to stop the virus spread massively and lowered the R0 index drastically.
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What’s open and what’s closed in Italy these days? Have you been going out and about regularly like before yet?
Concert halls, theatres, cinemas and discos are still closed as well as schools. Everything else is now open. I have not been very social actually, just a couple of happy hours sitting outside.
Is mask-wearing mandatory? And are people still encouraged to stay home?
It is indeed. People are mostly asked to avoid large gatherings; who is able to work from home is highly suggested to do so, especially to avoid crowds in public transportations.
Now that Italy is reopening to visitors from Europe, do you think there will be a second wave of coronavirus infections? Have the Italian authorities done anything to prevent the risk of that happening?
I hope it won’t happen obviously, however as the checks are possible only on people arriving on a plane, I am afraid cases may rise again a bit. Tourists will have to follow the same rules we are asked to follow.
What advice do you have for those in countries still in lockdown after what you’ve been through in Italy? What should a person in lockdown be doing to best maximise the opportunity?
Try to use this time to take care of yourself: read, train, study, develop your passions and take a chance to develop your relationship with family members.
Which 3 items or people are now most important to you?
My mum and her well-being, my cats and obviously my friends. Thinking of items probably my PC and internet connection; a window on the world.
Lastly, what else have you learned in the time since we last spoke that you didn’t know before?
I actually realize how lucky I am, especially compared to the many people who lost everything because of the virus.
Later this month, Eleonora will be starting an intensive Celta Course to become an English teacher. “After that I need to work in developing my business; I have planned many courses on social media marketing and the effective use of social networks to help spread my business.” You can follow her progress at her blog, livinghardtimes.wordpress.com or ask her about the new normal in Italy using the comment box below.
Follow the latest in our COVID-19 Diaries series here.
If you’re in a country that has been affected by the novel coronavirus and would like to share information about the situation where you’re at, do get in touch with us here.
Other interviews with Eleonora:
COVID-19 Diaries: What It’s Like Being In Lockdown In Italy, 109 Days In
Photographs courtesy and copyright of Eleonora. Interviewer: Sy
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