'Let's hope you don’t get corona, was a common joke, now there is sadness everywhere' – how the disease outbreak has hit Italy

More deaths are being reported by the Italian authorities every week as the country faces a complete shutdown due to the Coronavirus (COVID – 19). With schools closed and businesses facing severe crises due to the outbreak, the lives of Italians are not the same anymore.

A Pakistani Italian lives with her husband and son in Lombardy, the northern region in Italy which is one of the major areas where Coronavirus has caused the most deaths.

“I went outside the city to see how things are… and at 7 pm, it was complete silence.

“There was simply no one. All restaurants closed, all bars closed.

According to Aliya, everybody is asking others to stay at home especially because of the way the virus has surged and taken so many lives.

Aliya with her husband and son in Monza, Italy. Source: Supplied

There have been more than 10,000 cases of the virus so far in Italy, more than any country except China.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte has announced the closure of several public places such as educational institutes, museums, nightclubs, gyms and other venues across the whole country.

Italians have to take special permission to go abroad.

But Aliya says it was different a couple of months ago. There was a gradual increase in restrictions to cope with the virus.

“People in Italy like to greet each other by hugging and kissing.

“Initially they were laughing and keeping their distances.

“Lets hope you don’t get corona, was a common joke. But now things are different, everyone is serious. There is a lot of sadness.”

“Now, anyone seen on the road walking or moving around is being considered irresponsible."

It is just a matter of time before people might start saying, you should be home.

Italy was the first country in Europe to be hit hard by the virus. Source: AAP

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According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) of all the cases reported globally so far, 93% are from just four countries.

" Different countries are in different scenarios, requiring a tailored response.

"It’s not about containment or mitigation – which is a false dichotomy. It’s about both.

"All countries must take a comprehensive blended strategy for controlling their epidemics and pushing this deadly virus back,"  Director-General - WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.

According to Aliya, the schools closed from the 21^st February including cinemas and theatres; many events were cancelled.

“My five-year-old son had his first online class. He interacted with the students and teachers online.

“Summer vacations which are about 3 months here might compensate for the closure.”

Aliya says she is satisfied with the way the government has dealt with the outbreak so far.

“There aren’t many problems due to the lockdown, but it is certainly deserted.

“We haven’t seen a panic situation at the groceries or superstores and everything is available.

"The health facilities in Italy are one of the best in the world; many doctors and nurses are working overtime voluntarily to help the patients."

The lockdown in Italy is expected to last till 3rd April in Italy.