Italian Quarantine Chronicles, Day 64, May 11, 2020:
I believe this still qualifies as quarantine. People are still urged to stay home as much as possible. Masks and gloves are mandatory when going to a place of business.
Some restrictions have been eased. We are no longer "Zona Rossa," which means people can enter and leave the municipality without a written permission. The Saturday vegetable market has returned, but with certain limitations to the number of people inside the pavilion. Restaurants, fresh pasta stores, gelato and pasticcerie (bakeries) have take-out available by preorder only, with a specified pick up time. Some construction work has been resumed.
Other businesses will resume in the coming weeks although I am not sure what the restrictions will be on hair salons, photographers and bistros, housewares stores. It is also possible that some limited dine-in will be allowed, but I doubt we will try that out anytime soon.
We never heard a word about our Permesso di Soggiorno (permit to stay), which expired at the end of November. Each time we checked online it stated that it was "in progress." Clearly, in the midst of a worldwide health emergency, a simple permesso is not a high priority. We couldn't go anywhere anyway!! But, it was worrisome to us.
Once things opened up a bit, we spoke with a friend of ours who is on the city council. He called a director of the Questura (State Police) and they said there was some stupid error made (not in our application....not sure what) and all we needed to do was pay an extra 20 euro and that would be that.
I never got a text. Never got an email. Nothing. *********
So, off I went this morning to pay the 20 euro at the Posta. Masked and gloved...I did not wear my glasses...too much to deal with, especially when they fog up.
The morning weather was an uncertain mix. The temperature was about 60F. but the skies were bright sun in some areas and storm clouds in others. I took my chances. On the way, I passed a lovely balcony with geraniums in bloom. There were quite a lot of people out, yet every single one ot them wore a mask and gloves. Old and young and everyone in between.
Some repair work was being done at the entry of the shoe store. I suppose he is getting ready for his opening. The sun was peeking in and out, but the air was damp. Rounded the corner to the Posta and saw storm clouds over the mountains. Perhaps the weather was keeping people in, because there were only five people in line outside. Everyone complied and kept distance in between. One lady in line was an employee of the supermarket. We smiled (our eyes crinkled) and waved at one another.
A roll of thunder passed by, then a short sun shower....by then I was under the eave anyway, although I am not fond of possible lightening. However, the line moved quickly because it turns out they had four people working inside.
I submitted the form for the Permesso and paid a bill while I was there. In and out in no time at all.
As I walked past the store where we get dog food (it is a housewares store, but since he sells pet food he was allowed to have limited hours throughout quarantine) and waved at Donato and Antonetta. Ciao!!
The receipts were given to our friend in his office...he is going to deliver them himself since he lives near the Questura. We are told that the new Permesso will be for TWO years. If so, oh, happy day! It is a royal pain to apply and waste a day at the Immigration office...not a pleasant experience in any way. Maybe that is our reward for being good citizens throughout quarantine. In any case, it's a good excuse for a small celebration.
I believe this still qualifies as quarantine. People are still urged to stay home as much as possible. Masks and gloves are mandatory when going to a place of business.
Some restrictions have been eased. We are no longer "Zona Rossa," which means people can enter and leave the municipality without a written permission. The Saturday vegetable market has returned, but with certain limitations to the number of people inside the pavilion. Restaurants, fresh pasta stores, gelato and pasticcerie (bakeries) have take-out available by preorder only, with a specified pick up time. Some construction work has been resumed.
Other businesses will resume in the coming weeks although I am not sure what the restrictions will be on hair salons, photographers and bistros, housewares stores. It is also possible that some limited dine-in will be allowed, but I doubt we will try that out anytime soon.
We never heard a word about our Permesso di Soggiorno (permit to stay), which expired at the end of November. Each time we checked online it stated that it was "in progress." Clearly, in the midst of a worldwide health emergency, a simple permesso is not a high priority. We couldn't go anywhere anyway!! But, it was worrisome to us.
Once things opened up a bit, we spoke with a friend of ours who is on the city council. He called a director of the Questura (State Police) and they said there was some stupid error made (not in our application....not sure what) and all we needed to do was pay an extra 20 euro and that would be that.
I never got a text. Never got an email. Nothing. *********
So, off I went this morning to pay the 20 euro at the Posta. Masked and gloved...I did not wear my glasses...too much to deal with, especially when they fog up.
The morning weather was an uncertain mix. The temperature was about 60F. but the skies were bright sun in some areas and storm clouds in others. I took my chances. On the way, I passed a lovely balcony with geraniums in bloom. There were quite a lot of people out, yet every single one ot them wore a mask and gloves. Old and young and everyone in between.
I submitted the form for the Permesso and paid a bill while I was there. In and out in no time at all.
As I walked past the store where we get dog food (it is a housewares store, but since he sells pet food he was allowed to have limited hours throughout quarantine) and waved at Donato and Antonetta. Ciao!!
The receipts were given to our friend in his office...he is going to deliver them himself since he lives near the Questura. We are told that the new Permesso will be for TWO years. If so, oh, happy day! It is a royal pain to apply and waste a day at the Immigration office...not a pleasant experience in any way. Maybe that is our reward for being good citizens throughout quarantine. In any case, it's a good excuse for a small celebration.
No comments:
Post a Comment