Italy is in “Soft” Lockdown

And why it could be a lesson about empathy

As we listen to the news, the numbers of people sick of Covid grow every day, and European countries choose a form of lockdown again.

In Italy, there are “red”, “orange” and “yellow” regions, depending on the “Covid trending ”.

I just found out that we are in a “yellow” area, where the only limitations are bars and restaurants close at 18:00 and malls close at weekends. If we were “orange” or “red”, for about a month, we would stay as much as possible in/near our homes and limit as much as possible trips from a town to another.

Today, I had my last coffee in a bar (I thought this was going to be), for a month. No tragedy, many of you will say.

As I walked away with my friends at 18:00, I thought about this week's prompt: Empathy.

There is a community around the Central Bar. In this little town, bars are a sort of family. (Or maybe I am being too idealistic, who knows).

We all try to share useful information. It’s a nice thing. We support each other how we can. We exchange thoughts, ideas, and opinions about everyday events. We give advice. That — is a couple of hours by day, also with Whatsapp and communication channels.

It feels better than to stay in front of the TV, stressed and scared every time there is news. It feels like you are not so lonely, and have some support.

I guess what I’m trying to say, is that we should try, in this period, to be as helpful as we can. Even when we don’t like or don’t agree with somebody.

In my opinion, that’s what empathy is about: trying to understand what somebody needs, and if possible, help them live a better life.

So, if you like, we can do this here, online. You can share your fears and frustration, and we somehow try to help. I guess we are doing it already.

Don’t be so lonely. We try to be by your side.

Hugs.