A war without a war, a queue without a shortage
I was born during the Water Gate hearings in Washington DC. My mother thinks I heard them through the womb, and this is why I might be so righteous. Shortly thereafter we had the Oil Crisis, which I can’t remember but maybe that also seeped into my subconscious: endless queues at petrol stations and the economy in shambles. There was also the Cold War with its nuclear arms race. Ronald Reagan dubbed the Soviet Union the Evil Empire. Remember that scary movie “The Day After” and the terrifying mushroom cloud that threatened to extinguish humanity? The Iron Curtain came down but was eventually replaced by the threat of terrorism. Still, and I know I have said this before, I never expected this.
Instead of the mushroom cloud we now have a prickly green ball called Cornavirus. We are having to stay at home except for essential movements (groceries and medicines…oh yes, and maybe a screw, hammer or nail: the hardware stores are still open too, someone explain that to me!). We are in a war-like situation without a physical enemy. Boarders are being drawn and military is being called out. In the U.S the National Guard is being deployed. We are at war but there is peace. I look outside my window, and I’ve never seen Milan so quiet. I hear birds chirping in the city center. The air is cleaner than it has been in a long time. According to reports, the particle pollution levels (Pm10) are well below the limit of 50 (more like 20-40) thanks to the reduced traffic. This can only be a good thing.
At the supermarket we wait in an orderly line to get in, I’ve never seen Italians be so disciplined. A lot of people wear masks, but not everyone. Last I checked masks are really still for sick people and healthcare workers. I have not seen information to the contrary. Lines are usually a sign of scarcity, but then you walk into the supermarket here and the shelves are full. The dissonance is jarring.
Where the war is very real is in in the hospitals and Intensive Care units here in Italy. For a balanced report, check out this piece in the New York Times. I am not a reporter, so I won’t say more other than to express my deepest respect and gratitude for the medical staff here who are fighting for our lives. Also, it’s important to note that the scarcity of hospital beds and respirators will be an issue for every country during this pandemic, which is why containment is the only route. (Boris and Donald: take note)
On a lighter note: trending now: People considering adopting a puppy. It feels like a really good time to get a dog for company and for a legitimate reason to leave the house. The question is: Do you need to carry a self-certification document with you to justify walking your dog? Not sure.