A Call For Global Solidarity – Social Distancing, Act Now
From Italy, with Love
From our peaceful corner of our beloved locked-down country, we are sending a plea for global solidarity in order to stop the spread of Covid-19. Just a few weeks ago, several places in the world were trying to figure out what to do, how to move forward, or take a step back. Mistakes were made, situations underestimated, but now is not the time to point fingers or place blame.
Now is the time to listen to the medical experts who have been on the front lines in fighting the spread of the Covid-19 virus, and to take what is now considered the most important step for containment: social distancing. In a country like Italy, with its love for the evening passeggiata, leisurely shared meals, and family gatherings, you can only imagine how this idea goes against what Italians love to do on a daily basis, yet now, we are all doing it. We are doing it not only because the health of our nation is our top priority, but also that of the rest of the world, and of the weakest among us. While many infected patients recover, in Italy, 24% need hospitalization, which has put a great strain on one of the finest healthcare systems in the world.
We urge you to do your part, for the greater common good. Right now, you could be an asymptomatic carrier unknowingly spreading the virus simply by going about your daily routine. You need to stop. You need to stay at least 1 meter away from other people, avoid all crowded events and public transport, and stay home as much as possible. This is social distancing, and worldwide medical experts agree that this is the only way to at least slow the spread, and hopefully considerably lessen it. Of course, continue to wash your hands, and all the other hygiene tips that have been circulating for weeks, but first and foremost is social distancing.Yesterday, the Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, tightened the already numerous restrictions in Italy, and for the first time in an historically divided parliament, every parliament member agreed and voted yes. The staggering blow to the economy will be mitigated with a 25 billion euro fund to help businesses and families that have been negatively affected. We have lost our total income for at least the first half of the year, if not all of 2020, and yet we strongly support these measures.
Now that China has got their contagion levels under control, they are sending Italy medical supplies and doctors that have experience in treating covid-19 virus patients. On the part of all of Italy, we thank you, China, for your solidarity.
Right now, we feel fragile, but underneath we can feel untapped strength bubbling up – we will get through this. We, and Italy, will be back, stronger than ever, ready to welcome you with open arms. But for now, we need to step back and act for the global good.
Love to all from Italy –
Anita Iaconangelo & Emanuele Lorusso