New provisions signed by our PM to try to contain the new coronavirus wave divided our lovely Italian boot into three color palettes based on the level of alarm. And Orange is my new color-code!

The Autumn Colors

Yellow = The yellow regions are Campania, Emilia-Romagna, Lazio, Marche, Molise, Sardinia, Veneto and the autonomous province of Trento

Orange = The orange regions are Abruzzo, Basilicata, Liguria, Puglia, Sicily, Friuli Venezia-Giulia, Tuscany and Umbria.

Red = Calabria, Lombardy, Piedmont, Val d’Aosta and the autonomous province of Bolzano.

I found it interesting that regions that survived relatively well in the spring are now in the eye of the storm.

The Yellow code means that everyone must be at home from 10 p.m. Public transportation must be only at 50% of their capacity on buses, metro, and trains. Distance learning enacted at 100% for high schools. Cinemas, theaters, museums and exhibitions came to a scretching halt. Shopping centers will be closed on weekends. Italians favorite passtime sitting at bars and restaurants will be allowed for the “Yellows only” until 6 p.m. While we are immensily grateful to still have access to parks.

 The Orange code brings a further turn of the screw

Movements to municipalities other than that of residence and to other regions are prohibited except for work, health or study needs with self-certification. It is recommended to avoid traveling even in your own municipality

All shops, hairdressers and beauticians will remain open. Glad they still want us to look beautiful during these difficult times.

Let’s the Home Baking Begin

Bars, pubs, restaurants, ice cream parlors, pastry shops will be closed to the public all day; take-out is possible until 10 p.m. (with prohibition of consumption on site or nearby), home delivery is possible without restrictions.

 Orange regions can still do physical and sporting activities within their municipality and outdoors.

The Sad Red

All stores are closed except supermarkets, pharmacies, newsstands. Hairdressers are still open (this actually puzzles me).

Bars and restaurants are closed, but take-out and home deliveries are allowed.

Activities are allowed only in the area around the house. Yes to outdoor sports but strictly alone.

Throughout the national territory it will be forbidden to go out from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., unless in emergencies or work needs.

This is the year that I will save money in gas, car maintenance, shoes, clothes, and entertainment.