I'm an Italian mom under coronavirus lockdown. Here's what I wish I had done differently before things got bad.

https://news.yahoo.com/m-italian-mom-under-coronavirus-152400574.html

Katherine Wilson)
,INSIDER•March 17, 2020

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Katherine Wilson, a mother of two who lives in Rome, said she wished that she and other Italians had listened to warnings about the coronavirus. She warned Americans not to make "similar misguided choices."


In Italy right now, we are experiencing a complete and total national lockdown — something that might happen in the US in the near future.

The virus has ravaged our country. Hospitals in the north are on the verge of collapse. Intensive-care units are full of people who are elderly, but also people who are 40 and 50. The streets are empty, and restaurants are closed.

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So, reasoning that this was a disease that didn't strike teenagers, we told them to wash their hands and unleashed them onto the sidewalks and piazzas, into other people's cars and homes.

Nearly two weeks later, I realize that this was a mistake. But this wasn't the only one that contributed to Italy's demise amid the coronavirus outbreak. To help prevent my American friends from making similar misguided choices, I've compiled a list of do's and don'ts for families in the US — a list I wish I'd had only a couple of weeks ago.

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Do keep your children home

The only thing that could have prevented — or mitigated — this tragedy in Italy is social distancing.

I'm not talking about a high-five instead of a handshake, or grandchildren not hugging their grandparents. I'm talking about not being close to another human being who is not your immediate family. This is the only available and effective measure to help slow the transmission of the disease.

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Do shop responsibly

There is no reason to hoard supplies. In Italy, even now, we are still allowed to go to the supermarket every day if we need to, and the shelves are full.

Instead of stocking up on toilet paper, buy food that you've always wanted to cook but never had the time to. In lockdown, you'll have the leisure to let things simmer, soak, and rise.

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Don't obsessively read COVID-19 updates

As you're likely already aware, this pandemic can become addictive and horrifying. Reading about it can add stress and anxiety and encourage you to envision apocalyptic scenarios.

Instead, focus on what we can do that's actually effective: Wash our hands, take care of our health, and stay at home.