Italian government announced late on March 9th that the whole country would be known as the “red zone” and this has been referred to in the Italian press as the lockdown, even though the meaning of it hasn’t been entirely clear. Massimiliano Fedriga, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s governor, pleaded our region’s citizens to abide by the rules and use common sense. However, the government’s decree has been interpreted as freely as possible – there were still many elderly people in local cafes around town and many people walking around enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
Late this evening FVG’s government made an announcement stating that there are only three cases in which a person can move around Trieste (and FVG) freely: to go to work, to get food or go to pharmacy or hospital. As of tomorrow (March, 12th) all other movements around the city might be sanctioned.
PM Conte announced this evening, March 11th around 9.40 pm, that all commercial activities apart from grocery stores, post offices, banks, and pharmacies will remain closed. He reminded all Italian citizens that by changing our daily habits we united will make a huge difference in today’s health crisis.
As for our bordering countries, both Austria and Slovenia have temporary given up Shengen which means you will not be able to enter either unless you have a doctor’s note (or you reside in either of those countries).
These are surreal times we are living in but we are incredibly thankful to live in a country with excellent universal healthcare. We know it’s tough now, but we appreciate the transparency and honesty of the Italian government in handling this crisis. And there really is no place like home.
