Thinking Alone
«We just need to learn how to see and not to miss the chances that social isolation gives us».
Anastasiа Kuznetsova, PhD student of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, about her experience of self-isolation in Italy.
Anastasiа Kuznetsova, PhD student of the University of Rome Tor Vergata, about her experience of self-isolation in Italy.
Social isolation, safe distance, handshake prohibition... All of that should estrange us all and cause a sense of loneliness but suddenly I understood that it isn't true. At the very beginning when there were a few cases in Italy yet, I wrote to my friend who lives in South Korea: «How are you?» Then we exchanged opinions every day and compare the reaction of our societies to the epidemy.
The fear of an invisible threat makes us search the support in people that are in the same situation, we are worried about our relatives and friends all over the world.
My aunt from Moscow has written to me asking how I am doing a week later. Then I was contacted by many friends from Russia, Poland and Germany. In moments like that it's very important to know that you are not alone and there are many people in different parts of the world that feel the same. The epidemic has shown us that the globalisation and the dialogue of cultures can't be stopped in the modern world.
The queue to the post office in Rome, Italians are following the rule of safe distance.
EASTER ONLINE
On the catholic Easter my Italian friend arranged a skype-fest with his relatives living all around Italy. He told me that this kind of celebration is new to him. In Italy they usually make picnics with friends on Easter and now there is opportunity and time to forget everyday affairs and call parents, aunts, sisters and cousins that you haven't seen from Christmas, even if for a short time and only on screen.
When in Russia self-isolation was introduced, many online events appeared. My friend from Novosibirsk called me to take part in a literature quiz in the team of my university friends. It will be a great chance to talk to them after 3 years from graduation! I've seen this unexpected advantage nowadays.
Isolation gave us some time to think, to understand what the most important things are, and what is forgotten in our daily routine. It's time to grasp what makes us closer, even if there is a screen between.
Statistics | COVID-19 in Italy
est. April 20, 2020 (morning)
178 972
People infected
23 660
People died
47 055
People recovered