" It's strange but life goes on ". In front of the majestic Milan Cathedral, passers-by do not rush. Ditto in the streets of Lombardy in general or on Venetian waters: this Monday, March 9, about 16 million Italians woke up at home in a confined territory. Lombardy, the Venice region, northern Emilia-Romagna and eastern Piedmont are affected.
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Containment measures that imply significant travel restrictions. " There is no one left on the streets when ten days ago everyone went out without being afraid, " said Edward, aged about 40. He lives 30 kilometers from Milan. " Since Saturday evening, we have not been allowed to leave the center, " said Angélique. Milanese for over twenty years, she has never seen such an atmosphere in the city: “ the streets are almost deserted. "
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Faced with this unpredictable situation, system D is essential. Like this building in Milan, where the youngest offer their services to the elderly. “ For all the inhabitants (…) who are over 65 years old or who suffer from particular pathologies: if you wish not to move from your home, as advised by the Lombardy health services, the young people on the seventh floor are happy to offer to do your shopping ”, can we read on a sheet made available in the building. On this same sheet, a resident adds: " ready to deliver bread from my bakery ".
Public transport is empty
It is still necessary to succeed in shopping. If it is not forbidden to go to town or to supermarkets if necessary, everything is controlled. " You have to stay away from people, it's strange, " says Edward. " To avoid there being too much contact, security guards regulate entry and there are quotas of people per store, " explains Angélique. Thomas, a Frenchman who has lived in Milan for almost a year, also expresses his surprise: “ It looks like August 15 in Paris: the streets are deserted, there are almost no cars, buses and trams are empty. All those interviewed by Le Figaro share this observation.
La Scala in Milan, seen from the square of the same name. Thomas D. for Le Figaro / DR
Tania, 39, of Italian origin and living in Paris, tells of her side the confinement of her sister, who lives in the city center of Milan. “ She is confined with her family. Her children have already missed three weeks of school and they will not go to school until at least April 3, ”she explains. Edward, for his part, wonders even if his three children will resume school this year. Faced with this confinement, Tania's family was not even allowed to go to the funeral of a loved one.
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All these restrictions obviously penalize the economic activity of these areas. A very problematic situation in Milan, the economic capital of Italy. " I have a friend who has a restaurant there," says Tania . He had to close because his establishment was completely empty. For him it's a bit of a disaster, ”she continues. All economic activity is slowing down: restaurants, cinemas and even sports halls are closed. " In cafes and shops, you are asked to queue to enter in small groups and in fast food chains, for example, one table out of two is unoccupied in order to respect the safety distance of one meter ", adds Thomas. “ At the supermarket last night, I waited 10 minutes in front of the store because the entries were made drop by drop! "
No panic movement
Same story in business, where habits are upset. " There are teams working around the clock to reduce the risk of contamination, in businesses with offices still open, as in shops, " says Thomas, who reports a form of concern in the city. Edward just had his first day of telework. Already last week, his colleagues were scarce.
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However, the panic movement has not become widespread, according to Edward, who takes the time to explain the situation to his three daughters to prevent their anxiety from growing. “ People are responsible. There is no longer any real resistance because everyone has taken stock of the gravity of the situation, ”concludes Angélique.
The Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, Milan's historic shopping gallery. Thomas D. for Le Figaro / DR
During this time, the health system is activated but seems overwhelmed. “ At Pavia hospital, they redone the emergency room for the coronavirus in just two days, breaking down walls to enlarge the space. An exceptional reaction , ”he says. In fact, Tania continues, quoting members of her family: " The hospitals are full and the authorities are starting to transport patients to hospitals outside Lombardy because there is no more room ". 9,172 people were infected with coronavirus in Italy in three weeks, making it the most affected European country. According to the last official report of March 9, 463 people died from it.