What happens when a pandemic is declared, and your family is living overseas?
To date, Italy has more than 12,000 confirmed cases with 827 deaths. Families who are stationed there find themselves confined to their homes and unable to leave the country.
Connecting Vets talked to Suzanne Zielinksi whose husband is a retired Navy captain now working at U.S. Army Garrison Italy in Vicenza. Located in northern Italy, it is near where COVID-19 first took root in the country.
On Feb. 12, Zielinksi was returning from the U.S. to Italy and flew into the Venice airport. She said after they de-boarded the plane, Italian health officials were taking the temperature of all incoming passengers
“I’ve been very impressed by how the Italians are handling things.” She said.
“Last week, I went for a walk every day,” Zielinski said. “I think it’s good for your mental health.”
The military follows what the host nation rules, so for now everyone must carry a “self-certification" form that has your personal information and justifies why you are going somewhere. Zielinksi said that everything on the base is closed except for the PX and the commissary. At the commissary, there are signs that restrict the number of items such as bleach and cleaning products that can be bought. Hand sanitizer and wipes are not available.
“They have signs that ask people to be patient.”
Socializing with neighbors in your home is now prohibited. Zielinksi says she has a long list of TV shows she plans to watch.
PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION
Public Health recommends that any individual with flu-like symptoms (listed below) stay home and not attend school/work if possible to help prevent the spread of any sickness. Additionally, please ensure proper precautions are used such as social distancing, hand washing, and proper cough etiquette. It is recommended that common surfaces/objects be sanitized twice a day with Clorox or bleach solution.
Symptoms include:
-Fever, 100.4 or higher
-Cough
-Shortness of breath
Reach Lisa: lisa@connectingvets.com
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