ITALY

NIGEL MORAN SCHOOL HOUSE 1982-1984

TUSCANY – AUGUST 2020

Generally we coped fairly well, we definitely feel we are safer here than in the UK. The local council distributed masks, shops employed security guards to encourage the mandatory use of PPI, but it was done politely.

We were confined to our property unless for essential journeys, e.g. shopping once per week (only one member of the family) and medical emergencies.

Masks and gloves were mandatory when out and about. We had to carry a selfdeclaration so that the reason for your journey could be checked by the police. You may have seen Italians singing to their neighbours from balconies, and young girls playing tennis from roof to roof. The Italians “always find a way”. The main aspect was clarity of information coming from the Health Ministry. We were never in any doubt as to what to do, or how to behave.

I do feel however that effecting the lock-down of Lombardia (North of Italy), earlier, before making the press release would have prevented some of the spread of the virus that came South

I struggled with the cancellation of work engagements initially, currently my work is now ‘virtual’ (online lectures), we do not expect a return to Face to Face lecturing for some time and I suspect that the future will be a blend of the two methods of delivery.

I do miss being able to move around without a mask, to shake hands, to embrace friends would also be good. But to now go to an office for a meeting I can have via video conferencing…why?