What it's like to live on Italy's Covid-free islands
There are very few places across the globe that have managed to escape the Covid-19 pandemic; even Antarctica has reported cases. But a lucky few remote locations in Italy remain coronavirus-free currently. So what it's like to live on Italy's most isolated (孤立的) and beautiful islands? Here several islanders share how the situation has impacted their lives.
Linosa
Positioned halfway between Sicily and Tunisia in the Mediterranean, this tiny atoll has no confirmed cases.
Fabio Tuccio, one of the 200 residents living here, says things have remained pretty much the same since the pandemic outbreak.
"A lockdown situation is regular here now," Tuccio says. "There's not much to do. Everything is shut except for a supermarket, a pharmacy, and a post office."
Although the island has been safe from Covid so far, all visitors are required to take a Covid test at the ferry port before they set foot here, for residents remain fearful that the virus may find its way to this safe shelter.
Filicudi
Filicudi island, one of the wildest and farthest out among the Aeolian islands, has also done well at keeping Covid at bay.
Ferries often find it difficult to dock here due to the rough sea conditions. While this was a frustration for locals in the past, the missing connection is now mostly viewed as a good thing. Islanders feel lucky to live in such seclusion, far from the chaos brought about by coronavirus. "It's an ugly moment for humanity but I am happy and privileged to live here, it's like being in another world. Social distancing is guaranteed." says Peppino Taranto, a resident of Filicudi.
Alicudi
Alicudi, Filicudi's sister isle, is the most secluded of the Aeolian isles. Here Covid is perceived as a very distant threat.
Aldo Di Nora, who moved to Alicudi years ago from northern Italy, is aware of how fortunate he is to live in such a secluded and protected place.
"Social distancing is not an issue. The only moment when little crowds can form is when people meet at Alicudi's harbor to jump on the ferry boats," Di Nora says.
"Following the tragic news happening in Italy and across the world, I am grateful to live in such a wonderful place, surrounded by peace and zero risk of contagion."
1. What do the three islands have in common?
A.Islanders are all happy and satisfied. | B.They are all wild and isolated islands. |
C.No confirmed cases have been reported. | D.Visitors to these islands have to do strict tests. |
2. Why are the residents in Linosa fearful?
A.There is no safety during the uncertain times. |
B.They fear that outsiders may spread virus there. |
C.Italy has one of the highest death rates in Europe. |
D.Coronavirus-related diseases have reached many of them. |
3. What can you learn from the text?
A.These islands are filled with amazing sights. |
B.Linosa has reasonably warm temperatures all year. |
C.People are adopting correct anti-covid rules in Alicudi. |
D.Rough sea situations in Filicudi often discourages ferries to dock there. |