VERONA, Italy | A Quebecer living in northern Italy, where the majority of provinces have been quarantined due to the epidemic of the new coronavirus, confirmed that life is slowing down in this country.
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“It’s a hard wake-up call, especially for northern Italians. I believe that there is a lot of contestation concerning the closing of the region, of Lombardy, among others, because it is the economic lung of Italy with Veneto, “told the Quebec Morning Geneviève Rabouin, who lives in Verona.
To stem the spread of the virus, authorities quarantined almost the entire north of the country on Sunday. This measure affects approximately 25% of the population.
Verona has so far escaped quarantine, but is surrounded by quarantined areas where no one can enter or leave. To date, COVID-19 has infected more than 7,300 Italians and caused more than 350 deaths in this country.
Despite everything, Mme Rabouin is not overly concerned for his health.
“I’m worried, not necessarily catching the virus which has more serious consequences for the elderly, but more for the economic consequences [si je l’attrape]. I should be in quarantine, “she said, explaining being self-employed.
One thing is certain, the consequences for the local economy are already being felt.
“There are far fewer people on the street, indeed. Economically, it will be a disaster in the coming months. The restaurants are empty, the hotels have had “cancellations” until August. There are not many tourists, ”said the Quebecer.
It also reported shortages in shops, especially for disinfectants.
“People panicked and bought everything,” she said, adding that businesses still manage to get supplies.
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