‘The worst case scenario is what will happen’: Italians record messages they wish they could have played to themselves ten days ago as they warn not to underestimate coronavirus
- Quarantined Italians admitted they underestimated the magnitude of infection
- Cases in Italy have grown exponentially in and have now almost hit 30,000
- They suggest some people are not treating the infection with apt seriousness
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Italians have warned the world not to be complacent about coronavirus by passing on advice they wish they could have told themselves 10 days ago.
In a hard-hitting video, citizens under quarantine admitted they initially underestimated the magnitude of the infection which has now crippled their country.
Cases in Italy have grown exponentially in recent days and have almost hit 30,000 with over 2,000 deaths.
Casting an eye over other countries which are bracing for a similar spiral, they suggested some are not treating the deadly infection – and it’s all-consuming effect on everyday life – with the seriousness it deserves.
Imagining they were speaking to themselves 10 days ago, they said ‘a huge mess is about to happen’.
Italians have warned the world not to be complacent about coronavirus by passing on advice they wish they could have told themselves 10 days ago
One Italian woman says: ‘I’m sure you’ve heard of coronavirus, and I’m also pretty sure you’re underestimating it.’
Another, wearing a protective face mask, says ‘I used to make fun of people wearing face masks,’ while another says: ‘Stop making fun of mom for telling you to buy face masks’.
Many countries have shut down bars, restaurants and other non-essential public places to limit the spread of the virus.
Yet others, including the UK, have advised the public to observe social distancing but without forcing outlets to close.
While social hotspots have been quieter than usual in London this week, many revellers are still trooping to their favourite haunts.
But the quarantined Italians warned in the strongest possible terms to cease these outings.
Imagining they were speaking to themselves 10 days ago, they said ‘a huge mess is about to happen
Casting an eye over other countries which are bracing for a similar spiral, they suggested some are not treating the deadly infection – and it’s all-consuming effect on everyday life – with the seriousness it deserves
One woman said: ‘Up until 10 days ago, I went to meetings for work, I’d go to dinner with friends, to the gym, to the hairdresser. The usual boring things that have never hurt anybody.’
A man then chimed in: ‘But in 10 days life won’t be like this anymore.’
What followed next was a chilling message from a woman who said: ‘The worst case scenario? That’s exactly what will happen.’
They also rubbished social media chatter that only the elderly are susceptible to the virus.
Italy has shut down bars, restaurants and other non-essential public places to limit the spread of the virus
However, after offering doom-mongering predictions, they later hailed the ‘moments of unity you could never imagine’ and pointed to videos of Italians singing together on their balconies amid quarantine.
The video, which ends with the blunt advice to ‘stay at home’, came the day before Boris Johnson plunged Britain into shutdown.
At a Number 10 press briefing, he urged people to work from home and avoid social contact.