The situation with coronavirus is evolving quickly around the world and Trieste is not immune to it. Here are a few updates about Trieste and the novel coronavirus.
The Reality of Trieste as of March 1, 2020
- Schools and universities are closed for another week (until March 9th)
- No restrictions on sports events
- No talk of quarantine
- Three active cases of coronavirus (currently in isolation).
Pharmacies and grocery stores are sold out of hand sanitizer and face masks, but we don’t see anyone actually wearing face masks around the city. People are still out and about, although much less than last week.
But what’s the general mood? We asked a few expat ladies to answer some of our questions.
How worried are you about the health situation in Trieste?
Erin (USA): I am not personally very worried about getting the coronavirus (though would strongly prefer to avoid it!), but I do worry for the large number of elderly people. Overall I am more concerned about the impact on basic day to day life and on the economy, which has already been hit hard.
Theresa (Spain): A little. But I try to remain calm.
Eva (Latvia): I’m not worried, really. The less panic the better.
Theresa (USA): I am not worried.
Aleksandra (Macedonia): I am somewhat worried. I am more worried about an upcoming trip that I have from Treviso airport. I feel like Trieste is still relatively safe. I don’t think there’s need for panic, just extra caution.
How has the recent outbreak in Italy affected your daily habits?
Erin (US): I haven’t been very affected especially since I tend to hibernate in winter anyway, but my workplace (ICTP) has had to cancel all activities which is a real shame because students and scientists traveled here from all over the world for courses or workshops that couldn’t take place, and had to be sent home.
Theresa (Spain): I don’t go out for coffee as often as I used to and I try not to take the bus as often. I try to wash my and kids’ hands more often. And when I do take the bus, I try to stay far away from people.
Eva (Latvia): My daily habits are the same. Yoga classes were canceled but my daily routine hasn’t changed.
Theresa (US): Concert got cancelled. Walking around Trieste is like being in a ghost town!
Aleksandra (Macedonia): I wash my hands more and use sanitizer when I go to the shop or touch doorknobs. Plus, my boyfriend and I are trying not to go out to crowded places, so I guess I miss eating pizza out.
What would you like people outside Trieste to know about Trieste’s daily life these days?
Erin (USA): Daily life in Trieste is quieter than usual but still carrying on, but we are not yet directly affected by the virus. If (or more likely when) it really arrives here I expect it will be different. I don’t worry about basic services being unavailable, but if a lot of people have to work from home for a long period of time and otherwise avoid going out, it could disrupt things and also just be unpleasant.
Theresa (Spain): I think the elderly are the ones who are most worried (I don’t see as many of them on the streets), the rest seem to continue living their lives uninterrupted.
Eva (Latvia): Life goes on in Trieste as it usually does. Just don’t forget to wash your hands and you’ll be fine.
Theresa (US): Most people I know think the virus situation is way overblown.
Aleksandra (Macedonia): Life goes on as it always does, just with a little bit more caution. Nothing else.
