Rome, 12.03.2020

It’s been eight days now since the first decree that closed all the schools and universities at every level. Over the course of eight days, we have moved swiftly to a total lock-down here in Italy. I have seen a city, a country (and myself) moving from semi-complacency, through disbelief, frustration, to an heightened sense of shared responsibility.

The Italians may have a reputation of being chaotic and disorganised, but scratch beyond this surface reputation, and you will see a people who is far more united and determined in facing this together. In a population of 60 million or so, those who hadn’t been taking this too seriously and flouted the rules or acted selfishly were still (relatively) few. Here in the centre of Rome, things have long quieted down, and increasingly so. Of course, viral posts about those who flout the rules make far more of a splash than the millions (and tens of millions) who have quietly, patiently, painfully adhered to the directives. Furthermore, now is the time to act in solidarity, rather than feed polemic.

---

So, if I had to share some advice (as things build up elsewhere) what would I share? Here it comes.

KEEP CALM, but DON’T be complacent. No, it’s not the plague, but it is not the seasonal flu, either. Statistics have clearly shown that it is more contagious, and more people will need intensive care than your usual seasonal flu. Health services risk being overwhelmed — in north Italy, some hospitals are working at their limit and even beyond their usual limit. So, take this with the due seriousness it requires. Without panic, without hysteria, but with controlled determination.

We’re in it TOGETHER. It’s time for solidarity. Mind your language too. And act in a way that is responsible for your own and other peoples well-being. The vast majority (though not all) of those who are seriously affected are elderly, immuno-compromised, and persons with co-morbidities. But this should be no consolation: each is someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, friend. They are not numbers. It is my responsibility to do my best to help others not be effected too.

Let us TAKE CARE of one another. Be mindful of those who are more at risk, and genuinely concerned. Those who already struggle even on a mental health level. DO NOT downplay their fear (it doesn’t help), but offer support and give hope. Be supportive, even in concrete ways, to those who need it. Call people, keep in touch — in a world with social media as never before, we CAN turn these means to our advantage. Even the strictest quarantine shouldn’t mean solitude any more.

Be mindful of “news” items you share. Always ask yourself — Is it true? Is it helpful? Keep in mind that in times of crises many (human) jackals come around for easy picking. Be doubtful of anything that feeds conspiracy theories, mass hysteria, xenophobia, victim blaming. So don’t feed these jackals (and encourage others not too).

Follow faithfully the instructions of health authorities – whether it’s quarantines, closures, reduction of physical contact, and all other measures. This is NOT a drill. This is NOT a game. Your trying to play the system may cost someone else’s LIFE.

Be creative, be inventive, be proactive. Here at the Institute where I teach, we have moved on to online classes — and we’re adjusting. It had never been really on the cards, so it’s been a learning curve for all involved. But we’re getting there. So too with scout meetings and other gathering — they are slowly restarting, but online. Even as Church (public Masses have been suspended in all Italy since Monday) — I have never seen as many of us priests and parishes live-streaming masses, and other prayer moments. Life WILL need to change — even radically — for a while, but who said it needs to stop? Together we will pull through.