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Italy’s Quarantine Leaves Locked-Down Towns Feeling ‘Sacrificed’ Italy’s Quarantine Leaves Locked-Down Towns Feeling ‘Sacrificed’
(3 days later)
SECUGNAGO, Italy — The phone call came from inside one of the northern Italian towns quarantined to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus.SECUGNAGO, Italy — The phone call came from inside one of the northern Italian towns quarantined to contain the rapid spread of the coronavirus.
“Did you get the focaccia?” Tina Pomati, 65, asked her daughter, who was preparing to move a paper bag loaded with Rothmans Blue cigarettes, salami and chocolate cordials across an invisible border and into the Lombardy region’s forbidden “red area.”“Did you get the focaccia?” Tina Pomati, 65, asked her daughter, who was preparing to move a paper bag loaded with Rothmans Blue cigarettes, salami and chocolate cordials across an invisible border and into the Lombardy region’s forbidden “red area.”
“I’m almost there,” her daughter, Alessandra Paladini, 46, said. A few minutes later, she pulled up to a checkpoint outside the town of Zorlesco guarded by stern police. Her mother stood eagerly across the divide as the officers, wearing masks and white gloves, brusquely took the care package and handed it to her mother. The two women blew kisses at one another.“I’m almost there,” her daughter, Alessandra Paladini, 46, said. A few minutes later, she pulled up to a checkpoint outside the town of Zorlesco guarded by stern police. Her mother stood eagerly across the divide as the officers, wearing masks and white gloves, brusquely took the care package and handed it to her mother. The two women blew kisses at one another.
Northern Italy has taken an aggressive response to the spread of the virus, testing and quarantining people with and without symptoms, locking down 11 towns and more than 50,000 people as officials desperately seek to seal the virus off from the rest of the Italy.Northern Italy has taken an aggressive response to the spread of the virus, testing and quarantining people with and without symptoms, locking down 11 towns and more than 50,000 people as officials desperately seek to seal the virus off from the rest of the Italy.
[Read: ‘The face of the coronavirus’: A Hong Kong student shunned in Italy.][Read: ‘The face of the coronavirus’: A Hong Kong student shunned in Italy.]
But as the burden of the crisis weighed on Lombardy, the measures in the region have also divided families, damaged businesses and created the sense that Italy is sacrificing the few to protect the many, just as some countries around the world are trying to protect themselves from Italy.But as the burden of the crisis weighed on Lombardy, the measures in the region have also divided families, damaged businesses and created the sense that Italy is sacrificing the few to protect the many, just as some countries around the world are trying to protect themselves from Italy.
As the virus spreads, the situation inside the locked-down towns and on the ambiguous — and sometimes porous — borders between the free and the quarantined offers a potential preview of what may come if countries, including the United States, choose to confront the virus with a similar hard line.As the virus spreads, the situation inside the locked-down towns and on the ambiguous — and sometimes porous — borders between the free and the quarantined offers a potential preview of what may come if countries, including the United States, choose to confront the virus with a similar hard line.
“They sacrificed us,” said Monica Grandi, 33, who works in a butcher shop outside the red zone and who walked with her toddler on the quarantined side of the border, where the family lives. She said the country looked upon them as infected pariahs. It made no sense that the neighboring town “a stone’s throw away” wasn’t locked down. “Why us and not them?”“They sacrificed us,” said Monica Grandi, 33, who works in a butcher shop outside the red zone and who walked with her toddler on the quarantined side of the border, where the family lives. She said the country looked upon them as infected pariahs. It made no sense that the neighboring town “a stone’s throw away” wasn’t locked down. “Why us and not them?”
After the first outbreak of cases, Lombardy officials on Sunday locked down 10 towns south of Milan and started testing locals who reported contact with the infected, whether or not they suffered symptoms.After the first outbreak of cases, Lombardy officials on Sunday locked down 10 towns south of Milan and started testing locals who reported contact with the infected, whether or not they suffered symptoms.
Lombardy officials said on Friday that 531 people had contracted the virus but fewer than half, 235, required hospitalization. Of those, 85 required intensive care. On Friday officials said quarantines would be extended for another week to contain the virus.Lombardy officials said on Friday that 531 people had contracted the virus but fewer than half, 235, required hospitalization. Of those, 85 required intensive care. On Friday officials said quarantines would be extended for another week to contain the virus.
Health authorities in Rome argued that the aggressive testing in Lombardy violated international guidelines that only people showing symptoms should be tested, and thus inflated numbers and the perception of the threat. The broad testing, and resulting high numbers of people infected with the virus but without symptoms, have burdened the health system.Health authorities in Rome argued that the aggressive testing in Lombardy violated international guidelines that only people showing symptoms should be tested, and thus inflated numbers and the perception of the threat. The broad testing, and resulting high numbers of people infected with the virus but without symptoms, have burdened the health system.
If the virus spreads as it has, with each contagious person infecting two other people, the hospitals “will go into grave crisis,” a statement from the Lombardy region said. All nonemergency surgery and medical exams have been postponed. Doctors complained of a shortage of masks and gloves, according to Massimo Vajani, president of the Medical Association of Lodi, the provincial capital, where many red zone patients have been transferred.If the virus spreads as it has, with each contagious person infecting two other people, the hospitals “will go into grave crisis,” a statement from the Lombardy region said. All nonemergency surgery and medical exams have been postponed. Doctors complained of a shortage of masks and gloves, according to Massimo Vajani, president of the Medical Association of Lodi, the provincial capital, where many red zone patients have been transferred.
In recent days, national officials have sought to downplay the threat, blaming the press and arguing that the virus hit only a tiny fraction of the population. Lombardy has since limited its testing only to people with symptoms.In recent days, national officials have sought to downplay the threat, blaming the press and arguing that the virus hit only a tiny fraction of the population. Lombardy has since limited its testing only to people with symptoms.
Those without symptoms in the red zones said the suspension of testing added insult to injury.Those without symptoms in the red zones said the suspension of testing added insult to injury.
“They have abandoned us here, infecting each other,” said Michela Torresani, a 36-year-old payroll worker who is under quarantine. She said the lack of tests created more doubt and anxiety. Out of precaution, she said, she had decided to avoid her elderly parents. “It’s too risky,” she said.“They have abandoned us here, infecting each other,” said Michela Torresani, a 36-year-old payroll worker who is under quarantine. She said the lack of tests created more doubt and anxiety. Out of precaution, she said, she had decided to avoid her elderly parents. “It’s too risky,” she said.
Italy’s economy has suffered too.Italy’s economy has suffered too.
Millions of tourists have canceled trips to Italy, and the State Department has advised Americans to reconsider going there. The head of the Bank of Italy, Ignazio Visco, this week estimated the impact of the coronavirus on Italy’s already-slumping economy to be around 0.2 percent of the G.D.P.Millions of tourists have canceled trips to Italy, and the State Department has advised Americans to reconsider going there. The head of the Bank of Italy, Ignazio Visco, this week estimated the impact of the coronavirus on Italy’s already-slumping economy to be around 0.2 percent of the G.D.P.
Lombardy is the industrial heart of Italy, and the plains surrounding the locked-down towns are home to 3,000 companies. Every day of quarantine results in a loss of 50 million euros for the local economy according to Sabrina Baronio, head of the area’s local business organization.Lombardy is the industrial heart of Italy, and the plains surrounding the locked-down towns are home to 3,000 companies. Every day of quarantine results in a loss of 50 million euros for the local economy according to Sabrina Baronio, head of the area’s local business organization.
She said that the government had treated the area like a “lab rat” and that the experiment should not be repeated elsewhere. “Maybe we won’t have many deaths for coronavirus but we will assist the funeral of our companies.”She said that the government had treated the area like a “lab rat” and that the experiment should not be repeated elsewhere. “Maybe we won’t have many deaths for coronavirus but we will assist the funeral of our companies.”
On Friday night, the Italian government announced new measures — a mix of tax breaks and other aid — to offer relief to the local economy. But local businesses said the quarantine had already taken its toll.On Friday night, the Italian government announced new measures — a mix of tax breaks and other aid — to offer relief to the local economy. But local businesses said the quarantine had already taken its toll.
“It’s a huge disaster,” said Taylan Arslan, 33, who had scheduled the opening of a new kebab-making plant in the area on Monday. But his 57 employees could not enter the warehouse. He estimated that he had lost 12,000 euros for each of the five days he did not work and worried that “people are going to label us as dangerous.”“It’s a huge disaster,” said Taylan Arslan, 33, who had scheduled the opening of a new kebab-making plant in the area on Monday. But his 57 employees could not enter the warehouse. He estimated that he had lost 12,000 euros for each of the five days he did not work and worried that “people are going to label us as dangerous.”
“Even the word, ‘red area’ — it’s scary,” Mr. Arslan said.“Even the word, ‘red area’ — it’s scary,” Mr. Arslan said.
Carlo Benuzzi, 56, said his clothes shop had been closed since Sunday.Carlo Benuzzi, 56, said his clothes shop had been closed since Sunday.
“We are blocked here,” he said, arguing that if the same rigorous checks were done elsewhere, most of the world would be locked down. Mr. Benuzzi led a long-distance running team that included the 38-year-old Unilever employee whom officials have identified as responsible for spreading many of the early coronavirus infections.“We are blocked here,” he said, arguing that if the same rigorous checks were done elsewhere, most of the world would be locked down. Mr. Benuzzi led a long-distance running team that included the 38-year-old Unilever employee whom officials have identified as responsible for spreading many of the early coronavirus infections.
“Now when I go running in the fields,” Mr. Benuzzi said, “I see members of the army. It looks like West Berlin and East Berlin.”“Now when I go running in the fields,” Mr. Benuzzi said, “I see members of the army. It looks like West Berlin and East Berlin.”
On Friday, ambulances driven by medical workers in white hazmat suits raced, sirens blaring, in and out of the locked-down town of Zorlesco. (“If you continue to allow ambulances to go back and forth from quarantined towns the virus can still spread,” Dr. Vajani said in a telephone interview.) A funeral home’s van rolled in slowly.On Friday, ambulances driven by medical workers in white hazmat suits raced, sirens blaring, in and out of the locked-down town of Zorlesco. (“If you continue to allow ambulances to go back and forth from quarantined towns the virus can still spread,” Dr. Vajani said in a telephone interview.) A funeral home’s van rolled in slowly.
At the checkpoint, Marco Ausonio, 54, complained that his washing machine had broken and handed a white bag of laundry to a financial police officer, who walked it over to his brother who had come from the free zone.At the checkpoint, Marco Ausonio, 54, complained that his washing machine had broken and handed a white bag of laundry to a financial police officer, who walked it over to his brother who had come from the free zone.
Experts at the World Health Organization said the risks from laundry would be small but could be higher from “an infected patient.” Massimo Andreoni, an infectious disease specialist at Rome’s University of Tor Vergata, said he considered the risk nil, but added, “A person in a quarantined area probably shouldn’t be exchanging things with someone outside.”Experts at the World Health Organization said the risks from laundry would be small but could be higher from “an infected patient.” Massimo Andreoni, an infectious disease specialist at Rome’s University of Tor Vergata, said he considered the risk nil, but added, “A person in a quarantined area probably shouldn’t be exchanging things with someone outside.”
Updated June 12, 2020Updated June 12, 2020
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
The area is rife with other small inconveniences. The shortage of grocery items had led some people in the town to order deliveries from the Esselunga supermarket. But when the store’s driver, Secrieru Veaceslav, approached the checkpoint he stopped short.The area is rife with other small inconveniences. The shortage of grocery items had led some people in the town to order deliveries from the Esselunga supermarket. But when the store’s driver, Secrieru Veaceslav, approached the checkpoint he stopped short.
“I’m not going in there,” he said.“I’m not going in there,” he said.
Less than a mile back down the road, regulars drank wine and beer at the Liberty Bar in Secugnago. The cafe had become the go-to store for cigarettes after the local tobacco shop closed, as its owner lives in a quarantined area. Inside the bar, the men debated the contagion level of the virus and whether the threat had been exaggerated.Less than a mile back down the road, regulars drank wine and beer at the Liberty Bar in Secugnago. The cafe had become the go-to store for cigarettes after the local tobacco shop closed, as its owner lives in a quarantined area. Inside the bar, the men debated the contagion level of the virus and whether the threat had been exaggerated.
Outside, they gathered around a phone and laughed at how newscasters failed to pronounce the name of their town. None of them wore masks.Outside, they gathered around a phone and laughed at how newscasters failed to pronounce the name of their town. None of them wore masks.
Maurizio Pedrinazzi, a 60-year-old street cleaner, said it was “absurd” that their town was open while neighboring Zorlesco remained closed. If the virus spread so quickly, he said with a shrug, then it was likely “everyone is contaminated.”Maurizio Pedrinazzi, a 60-year-old street cleaner, said it was “absurd” that their town was open while neighboring Zorlesco remained closed. If the virus spread so quickly, he said with a shrug, then it was likely “everyone is contaminated.”
Plus, he said, despite the quarantine, people from the locked-down town often stopped in for a drink.Plus, he said, despite the quarantine, people from the locked-down town often stopped in for a drink.
“They know the country roads, the shortcuts,” he said. “They all come here.”“They know the country roads, the shortcuts,” he said. “They all come here.”
The quarantine border in fact seemed less than air tight.The quarantine border in fact seemed less than air tight.
At the checkpoint, the police stopped a woman walking briskly in jogging clothes. She said she wanted to get back into the quarantined town after taking her morning constitutional.At the checkpoint, the police stopped a woman walking briskly in jogging clothes. She said she wanted to get back into the quarantined town after taking her morning constitutional.
“You know there is an ordinance?” the officer asked incredulously — before granting her request.“You know there is an ordinance?” the officer asked incredulously — before granting her request.
After Ms. Paladini delivered the care package for her mother, her mother expressed her gratitude for the focaccia.After Ms. Paladini delivered the care package for her mother, her mother expressed her gratitude for the focaccia.
“When you can’t have something,” she said, “you want it even more.”“When you can’t have something,” she said, “you want it even more.”
Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Rome.Elisabetta Povoledo contributed reporting from Rome.