Walk the dog or no? Italians unsure what virus decree allows

Can you walk dog? Take kids to playground or out for a gelato? Go to bank? se questions and more swirled in Italy on Thursday after government imposed more restrictions on work, play and routine tasks of life in an effort to stem exponential spre of new coronavirus.

But as is often case in Italy, answer depends.

On paper, government-imposed restrictions are clear: residents must avoid “every movement” outside ir immediate areas except for work, health care or activities of “strict necessity” such as grocery shopping. Italians were told to carry a form with m at all times explaining where y are going and why. Police are out in piazzas, train stations and traffic circles to check documents, issue fines and send people home if ir explanations or paperwork is wanting.

However, government regulations and what people are drawing from m have evolved in past week. rapid sequence of increasingly restrictive decrees created contrictions, confusion and t a small amount of chaos about what exactly is allowed and what isn’t.

se are some of lockdown orders and how y’re being interpreted.

WHAT’S OPEN, WHAT’S T?

Supermarkets, pharmacies, post offices, produce markets and banks are open. So are computer repair and stationary shops, plumbing businesses and public transportation. All or retail stores and services are closed, as are restaurants, cafes, pubs and gelato shops.

“We can remain open because we’re part of information line,” Rome newsstand owner Angelo Nesta said.

But he ded: “We see very few people because y have absorbed mess of government to stay home as much as possible.”

WHAT ABOUT FACTORIES, FARMS AND FINANCE?

government said banks, factories, industrial cleaning services and agricultural production were “guaranteed” to operate. But on Thursday, factory workers in rth went on strike, demanding better health protections if y are forced to work.

restrictions left some wiggle room for or kinds of businesses. Restaurants that provide prepared food, for delivery or takeout, can stay open as long as workers remain a meter (yard) apart from each or. At bakery in Lombardy town of Codog, where first positive case was registered in Italy’s rth, Roberto Zamprodi me sandwiches Thursday for staff of bank across street.

While business is good, “it’s t worth extra money,” he said.

CAN YOU TAKE A WALK IN PARK?

national government, in a continuously updated FAQ section on its website, says public parks and gardens can remain open “to guarantee outdoor sport” that is done individually, such as jogging. But government says outdoor group activities are allowed, such as pickup soccer games.

On Thursday, police sent home people y spotted sitting on park benches in Rome’s Villa Borghese. mayor of Verona, in hard-hit Veneto region, ordered closure of city’s 99 playgrounds and parks, arguing that residents weren’t respecting social distancing rule. And Florence Mayor Dario Nardella marveled at citizens strolling through city’s usually tourist-clogged piazzas.

“If you go for a jog in park, you’re t going to be arrested. But if we want to stop this virus, stay at home,” mayor said.

But what about walking dogs?

“Surely, taking your dog out to do his business is a valid motivation,” Italian civil protection chief Angelo Borrelli said.

BLANKET MEASURES FOR VARYING RISK

new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, in most people. For some, especially older ults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. Italy is European epicenter of outbreak, with more than 15,000 cases and more than 1,000 de.

For families with young children who have been home from school for weeks alrey, nationwide emergency measures are a test in creativity and patience.

“With boys, y’re like dogs. You need to run m,” said Silvia von Kittlitz, a Rome mor with three sons s 6, 4 and 3 months.

Faced with conflicting information from Italian government, police and or mors, von Kittlitz said she is still taking her boys out to park each day but during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.

She said she kws re are families with greater challenges.

“How do you keep a 2-year-old indoors? It’s a nightmare,” she said.

HOW IS MESS GETTING OUT?

After first case cluster emerged in Italy’s rrn Lombardy region on Feb. 21, city of Milan launched a promotional campaign to counter ecomic impact. #Milasiferma (Milan doesn’t stop) mantra has since been replaced by a national campaign, #IoRestoaCasa (I’m staying home).

To illustrate point, ballet corps of Milan’s famed La Scala ater me a cellphone video mont of how dancers were staying in shape at home by performing plies while holding onto a door handle, pirouettes in kitchen and tendus on an apartment terrace.

La Scala spokesman Paolo Besana said spark for video surfaced spontaneously after ballerinas posted selfies and videos on social media.

“n came idea of bringing se homeme cellphone videos toger to give idea of a community of dancers who continue to train, and in some way be toger even if y can’t go to rehearsal at ater,” he said.

video ends with corps’ own hashtag: #ANDRATUTTOBENE. (It will all be alright.)