After the post below, here is another inside view from another friend in Italy:

Our life has deeply changed, Patricia. Northern Italy is in a really bad shape.

Around Firenze the virus hasn’t spread so much yet, but we are confined at home to prevent infection. It seems that the highest peak is still to be reached and it is essential that everybody respects the restrictions, otherwise whoever gets sick may not all have the possibility to be perfectly treated. The number of ICU, which is necessary in several cases, is becoming insufficient. There’s a lack of ventilators, even of masks and of specialized doctors and nurses. Unfortunately a lot of people need intubation.

I’m slightly worried about my daughter who also works in the emergency room – she’s a technician of radiology. All of you who live in countries where COVID-19 hasn’t spread, make sure to follow any kind of restrictions. The earlier severe measures are taken, the less the virus can spread. This virus is not a flu, nothing to be underestimated.