Trapped in Italy as death toll from virus hits 1,266
AN IRISHWOMAN in Milan says she feels ‘trapped’ in the Italian city which is now in total lockdown due to Covid-19.
Aisling Sullivan, 41, a business English communications consultant, initially escaped the hysteria of the virus by going to her holiday home in Tuscany with her husband Dario.
But they were forced to return for some work appointments and are now on lockdown.
Speaking with the Irish Mail on Sunday, she said: ‘Unfortunately I’m trapped in Milan now – we got caught up in the new decree so we can’t leave. We are in total lockdown.
‘The only shops allowed to open are supermarkets and pharmacies. It’s a difficult time, especially for ex-pats who can’t fly home and are obviously worried about their own families as the virus spreads to other countries.
‘It’s very unsettling but there have been some initiatives to help keep spirits up, like everyone playing music on their balconies last night. The biggest worry for me is not knowing how long this lockdown will go on for.’
Last night the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Italy had climbed to 17,660, and the number of deaths had risen to a terrifying 1,266.
But Aisling praised the Italian authorities for being open and transparent with information.
Asked previously about Ireland’s handling of the virus, she said: ‘I trust the experts that cancelling mass gatherings is a necessary step.’ However, she proved correct in her prediction that Italian fans would travel here even though the Six Nations rugby match was cancelled because the cost of their accommodation and flights was not refunded.
Meanwhile, a young Irish teacher who was under lockdown in Wuhan at the start of the outbreak has urged Irish people not to panic.
Conor Butler was working as an English language teacher and spent two weeks holed up in his apartment before being flown to the UK where he spent two weeks in quarantine in a hotel in Liverpool with other evacuees. He is now glad to be back home in Waterford. ‘I’m on two weeks’ paid leave but who knows how it’s gonna go,’ he said.
‘I’m just glad I’m not in Wuhan anymore to be honest with you.
‘I told my family it was only a matter of time before it came here and I’m telling them now it’s going to get worse before it gets better.
‘It’s going to be interesting to see what happens over the next few weeks.’
Asked what practical advice he has for people after his experience, he said: ‘Stop panic buying – think of the older people who can’t get stuff as easily as others, it’s so stupid.’