Italy ……..in the centre of the virus …… where all the shops are open and the shelves are full

Now, not only are the shops open but according to a friend from the north, they are open and fully stocked.

I received her message today  which was  “Personal spirit-raisers on Day 11 of total lockdown and isolation in Lombardy: 1. husband managed to go supermarket shopping yesterday without being stopped by police, and the shop was fully stocked. Now have essential supplies of wine and gin (and lots of food and loo roll)”.*

 And I read in today’s online la Repubblica that certain regions are discussing closing supermarkets over the holiday period or reducing opening hours, but the shops will remain open, and those working on the tills or stocking the shelves are recognized as essential key workers who should be praised for the part they are playing in the crisis.

 Meanwhile here ………… social media is full of stories of empty shelves, panic buying and security guards.

I have no doubt that there has been examples of  panic buying in Italy, and that there are long queues in places, further ocassioned by today's news that shop hours may be reduced.

But the big picture is that the country at the heart of the virus crisis has not lost its lavatory rolls,  dried pasta, or those delightful little biscuits.

 Leaving me just to quote Eileen’s full message, Personal spirit-raisers on Day 11 of total lockdown and isolation in Lombardy: 1. husband managed to go supermarket shopping yesterday without being stopped by police, and the shop was fully stocked. Now have essential supplies of wine and gin (and lots of food and loo roll). 

2. was inundated by FaceTime, Skype and WhatsApp calls all day from friends and relatives concerned and wanting to bring me comfort and human contact. 

3. Woke this morning to messages from my 8 and 6 year old grandkids (via their mum’s phone with her permission), about how many books they have read this year - had a conversation about which were the best. 

4. I have a lot of wonderful Facebook friends, who make me laugh, and show care across the miles. 

5. The sun is shining and the birds are singing, totally oblivious to what is going on in the human world".

 Location; Italy

 Pictures; the Esselunga supermarket, Varese, 

*Eileen

**la Repubblica, March 20, 2020