One of the hardest-hit countries, Italy, is currently under what is being called an “enforced home stay." People can only leave their homes for very specific reasons.
“It is not fun, it is scary," said Christine Ricci, an American woman who has lived in Italy for the past 16 years.
Italy taking drastic measures after more than 15,000 people contracted the coronavirus and more than 1,000 have died from it. A new Italian decree telling people to stay indoors unless they’re going to the grocery store, doctor’s office or pharmacy.
“And if we do go outside, we have to download a form and sign it," Ricci said. "And give a valid reason for being outdoors. And there are police on the street that are stopping people, checking why they’re outside.”
Ricci also said if people are outside, they can’t be in groups of more than three and must stay a minimum one yard apart from each other. If you go outside without a valid reason, you could get fined.
“Because things are out of control and we have to do whatever we can to get back on track," Ricci said. "Everybody is suffering here in some form.”
She believes the United States is taking appropriate measures by canceling sporting events. Better to be safe now than sorry later.
“When you get to the point where it’s bad, you look back and say what could we have done differently," she said. “Once you’re in a position where you can’t go out of your house because the hospitals are overloaded and people are getting sick, then it’s too late and you’re happy to do it. I’m happy to stay home.”
Ricci doesn’t know anyone personally who has coronavirus but is still worried she’ll get sick. She’s feeling fine right now and is grateful. Hoping everything will be over soon.
“People are scared so, everybody is just going to keep their distance and stay home and hopefully, hopefully in a week, we’ll have some good news," she said.
Ricci said they’re under the enforced home stay until April 3.
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