Practice Physical Distancing But Socially Connect, Go Easy on Yourself - American in Italy’s Advice

Practice Physical Distancing But Socially Connect, Go Easy on Yourself - American in Italy’s Advice

Connecticut native Rebecca Couto da Silva appeared on GoLocal LIVE for her latest installment from Bolzano, Italy, where she offered her perspective to Americans now facing stay-at-home orders due to the coronavirus crisis — including Rhode Island. 

“It’s better to stay away, to practice physical distancing — I call it physical distancing, because socially, we can connect with each other in other ways. Practice physical distancing now and this will pass,” said da Silva. “If it gets hard, look out the window, get fresh air — practice breathing, or whatever makes you relax — and don’t judge yourself. If you spend the day watching TV, that's OK - that's coping."

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Da Silva spoke to the latest developments in Italy — and how residents are feeling. 

“I believe people are scared and waiting to see our peak, because we’ve been locked down now for almost two weeks and are supposed to be peaking. I think people are waiting with bated breath to see if these lockdown measures are working,” said da Silva. “I’m not sure anyone’s really hopeful about spring given the fact that this is spreading in countries that have very hot weather."

"There’s this balance between, oh I really want to go out and, if I go out, I could endanger someone’s life," said da Silva. "Italians have been through so much. They know that this too shall pass. I think that people just accept that, OK, you know I might not agree that this measure is a strict necessity but I’m sitting in the position of the prime minister, so I’m not going to second-guess it — I’m going to do my confinement and I’m not going to complain."