Coronavirus in Italy: The other side of the story

Victor Emmanuelle Monument in Rome
(Photo: peabod)

ITALY — There used to be an expression in local television news that said "If it bleeds, it leads."

By the same token, in the south in the United States any meteorologist who mentions the word 'snow' knows immediately from the moment that word leaves his mouth, it's only a matter of hours before it becomes virtually impossible to find bread or milk at a local grocery store.

In many ways, the semi-pseudo hysteria over the Coronavirus (Covid-19) in Italy is having a similar effect. That is not to say that press reports are inaccurate or that information services are lying or even distorting the news.

Artist's rendering of the interior of St Peter's Basilica
(Photo: public domain)

On the other hand, media outlets are in the business of reporting current events, so it's to their advantage to perpetuate a story for as long as possible.

Putting it another way, as said by former Barack Obama Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, and Winston Churchill before that, you should "Never let a good crisis go to waste."

Covid-19 caught Italy
by surprise
(Courtesy: pixabay)

When Covid-19 caught Italy by surprise a few weeks ago on the cusp of the heaviest part of the upcoming tourist season, it set off a mini-panic that continues even now.

But there are usually two sides to every story and, to date, the Italian tourism viewpoint has gone largely under-reported or distorted in many ways.

For starters, nowhere in the American press has it been mentioned that in the outside event that a visitor to Italy does come down with Coronavirus, the country is highly regarded throughout Europe for the quality of its healthcare and medical professionals.

Second, and again not reported, is that Italy provides free healthcare services for foreigners.

While it has been explained that the initial reports came out of Lombardy and the Veneto in the north of Italy, and Covid-19 is, for the most part contained within that region, the media has been less inclined to report that the largest at-risk group for the disease is seniors who are already dealing with some form of respiratory ailment.

Seniors are the largest
at-risk group
(Courtesy: pixabay)

As of this writing there have been 3,089 documented cases of Coronavirus in Italy with 276 cases that are closed. Thus far, since the outbreak began in Italy, 107 people have died.

Compare that number to the average DAILY toll of more than 90 motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. Do those significantly higher numbers prevent you from driving your car? In fact, has statistic like the one above EVER even crossed your mind before you got behind the wheel of your car? We're guessing the answer is 'no.'

Yet another unreported fact is that most of Italy's Coronavirus victims have received treatment at home without need for hospitalization.

One contributing factor that perpetuates the idea that things are worse than they are occurs when the press reports a preventive program that can easily be misinterpreted. For example, earlier this week Italy took pro-active measures to further isolate the disease by closing all the schools in the country. Though the measure was positive, it is easy to perceive it in a negative light.

View of Rome from Hotel Hassler
(Courtesy: Hasslee Roma)

As hotels and other hospitality businesses outside of northern Italy scramble to reassure visitors that external perceptions are having a major impact that is not as severe as it appears, many experts believe that the arrival of warmer weather will significantly diminish the Covid-19 threat.

Roberto E.Wirth, owner and general manager of the Hassler Roma, one of most prestigious hotel properties in Rome, is among those who are highly optimistic. Wirth tells fellow Italians to "ignore alarmism and to follow the protection rules issued by the Ministry of Health."

For travelers, three simple precautions can prevent a high percentage of potential future problems:

·      Wash your hands frequently

·      Keep your away from your face as much as possible

·      Use Clorox Wipes to clean airplane tray tables etc.

Hassler's Lush Palm Court
(Courtesy: Hassler Roma)

The travel industry is always filled with countless variables. The best, and most positive, thing travelers can do to avoid knee-jerk reactions and to spend a little more time than usual to get the best possible current information.

Avoid hearsay and media-based websites because they may be misleading. It's better to rely on government internet links on both sides of the Atlantic to obtain the most accurate and up-to-the-minute information.

It is also wise to contact your hotel to speak with the concierge or someone in management. They will answer any questions honestly because they know only too well that possible business may be directly impacted by their input.

The Spanish Steps at dusk with Hotel Hassler just beyond
(Courtesy: Hassler Roma)

Such research requires a little more effort for travelers than usual, but it will pay off in the end.

Be vigilant. The absolute best situation, whenever possible, for travelers and suppliers alike, is to let the status remain quo for as long as possible.

Changes can have a negative unanticipated domino effect that ultimately could be worse than your original itinerary.

They don'r call Rome "Eternal" for no reason and she 
will outlive Covid-19 too
(Photo: peabod)

That is not say you should not consider any contingencies  but rather to warn against being too quick on the trigger with a "ready, fire, aim" approach to your travels.

A little homework might be a bit time consuming, but in the final analysis, if it's possible to keep your original itinerary planned, you will likely come out ahead financially and less aggravated in the long run.