I live in Italy ask me anything

[Thelittletoasterthatcouldnt]

Sorry if this has already been done but I’ve had a scroll and couldn’t spot a similar one. Go ahead and ask away.

We have a small pot of savings we’re already dipping into but will be fine for a while, I work from home but the nature of my job is impacted by others sadly not being able to work. Everyone I know seems to be in the same boat as us getting by or relying on family for financial help.

I keep daydreaming about going to see my family and spending days together doing normal things outside and then I think will that ever happen again... I know it will but sometimes it feels like it won’t. Sorry if that doesn’t make much sense typed out.

I second the question about financial help / special benefits available to people who lost their jobs or have to self isolate.

Non essential work is suspended. All non essential.
So the only jobs being done are:
Feeding people
Curing the sick
Cleaning the streets
Law and order.

You say you are fine , but are you frightened? I'm terrified now not for the virus for the economy , the food shortages too although told its temporary.
Has anyone you know of been arrested for going out ?

I've answered it.
Mortgages on hold, council rents on hold, all workers laid off temporarily like my dp for example will get casa integrazione (govt pays 60% of their usual wages) vouchers to be given to essential workers for childcare.

40,000 people have been fined heavily so far for not respecting lockdown.

The governments suspending mortgage payments but I know that doesn’t help most people here and with the banking crisis now happening I am worried. I have friends relying on family help but there’s only so long that can last and what about those with nowhere to turn..I definitely don’t have all the answers I apologise.

I don’t know anyone who’s been fined but I know there’s statistics in the news for those who have. I’ve got friends of friends on Facebook posting photos of our city looking like a ghost town so you can still go out for walks but I won’t be.

Are public transport and the postal service still open / running?

Yes public transport is still running but I’m not sure if that’s the same in all areas, I have friends still having take away delivery, and the postal service is still also running.

How are you coping at home? What are the kids doing each day?

Thank you for posting. It's been really interesting.

@TheCanterburyWhales you may have answered it but it's not your AMA is it? Maybe do your own

@lifesabeach09 You’re welcome and thanks for your comment I was starting to think maybe I shouldn’t have done a AMA and should’ve carried on my long stint as Mumsnet lurker, I know I don’t know everything or even a lot but thought I have a little insight.

Now on to the question we’re coping well I’m a home body which I know helps. We have a work pack for my eldest and every time my husband does the weekly shop he brings back a few more little bits to keep us busy. We’ve been doing a lot of painting and spring cleaning the key for us at least is to keep busy most of the day then enjoy some well deserved guilt free screen time. I’m doing a lot of my work at night which isn’t ideal but I struggle to sleep anyway.

Sorry @BananaBang I did mention the bit I knew.

As you're in lock down, how do the shop workers get to work?
Do they have a special pass?

Are the large shops open, or just the smaller ones?

how are you feeling?
are you able to exercise and eat relatively ok?

Are the schools open for children of key workers?

Are your hospitals running ok?

@AndWhatNext Shop workers drive or walk to work keeping to the two meter distance rule, my husband has now been given forms to fill in for why he’s out in case he gets stopped but I don’t think this applies to everyone. The super markets are open and out local corner shop is still open.

@AndWhatNext I’m able to exercise in the house and garden, I know friends and family with dogs still walk them but stay away from people.

Only one person is allowed to shop per family, there’s a limit on people in the shop at once and hand sanitizer at the door but the shelves are stocked here.

I’m feeling okay worried for others and hopefully waiting for things to get better, which I think is how most people I know feel. Thank you for asking.

What thing or things are you doing which you think, "ah this is really good in this situation"

ie. what are you doing within the boundaries of the new normal which we can steal in the UK to make things a bit easier and fun?

@MrsTumbletap All I know is the schools are shut and the kids got given a big work packet on one of the last days, my teacher friend is recording lessons but I’ve heard nothing of that from my sons school.
The hospital is something I am worrying about but that’s only because things I’ve heard through word of mouth.

@AndWhatNext nothing special I’m afraid lots painting, making flower and water dough we use play dough cutters to shape then bake and paint, but I think that’s something most people do. The odds and ends isles in Aldi will be your friend my husband’s picked up some really odd but fun things. Dens are a big hit at the moment but again I know that’s an everyone thing. Sorry I can’t be more help!

When do they expect things will go ‘Back you notmal?’ Well as normal as they can be, going out normally etc?
Did you have symptoms of the virus yourself do you think?
Does your husband wear a mask/gloves if he goes out shopping etc?

*To normal

You've mentioned that only one person in the house is allowed to shop but can this person shop for more than one household?

I will need to do shopping for my own home and my nan who lives separately to us I'm wondering if I can do both shops at once or if ill have to make two separate trips I'm assuming the later is more likely since shops are restricting the number of items you can buy.