Lockdown in Italy, 1 April 2020

Originally posted on my Facebook page on 1 April

Yesterday the Italian lockdown was extended for 2 more weeks until 15 April. 

The one thing I've discovered is that the gradual tightening of restrictions is like a slow boil where just one more lift in temperature is hardly noticeable. We never thought this would end fast, and I doubt that on 15 April the doors will magically open. While the curve here might be easing ever so slightly and we see the happy sights of people recovering and leaving hospital, the truth is that easing curves do not mean a halt in progression. 

The map of Italy has a hot red rash spreading across the boot, and in our own region of Piemonte it's a series of blue bruises. Today our little comune of Guarene near Alba recorded its first case. But all is calm here and we walk to our boundary every day. The air is still cold but not for long. Soon cherries will appear on a tree that we raided last year. So we have a goal. After all, it's the simple things that make up a life, isn't it? 🍒