From the land of the free, I weep for Italy

Last week a striking image went viral, of Camilla Moccia, 22, who runs a trattoria in Ostia outside Rome, sitting on her shut-up stove with her head in her hands. I felt a strong surge of pity not just for her but for Italy, which has entered yet another lockdown in the face of surging cases and a painfully slow vaccine rollout.

It all just seems so thankless, stamping out every last vestige of economic sparkle and destroying young entrepreneurs’ dreams in an attempt to battle a virus that, without vaccination, is destined to get the upper hand. The year-old question of the economy versus safety has been on my mind over the past two weeks, as I began to prepare for my return to the UK after a three-month stop at my parents’ house in Massachusetts (I flew here several weeks before such trips became illegal).

I am very Covid-cautious and for the bulk of my time here I haven’t done much beyond the basics – especially as rates went sky-high after Thanksgiving and Christmas. But that was my choice. Since the early summer, those who have wanted to in the US have had the option to keep some semblance of normal life. Restaurants were open at low-capacity. Gyms were open. You can do what you want, with masks and advanced bookings.

A few weeks ago my equally cautious 67-year-old mother and I had our nails done in a spotless, mask-heavy, empty salon and felt entirely safe. As rates have gone down here, I have taken more risks, grateful for the option. I went to New York last week and had my first relaxed indoor dining experience in a year; seating was well-spaced, with screens between tables, and it was a delight to see the elderly, who have been vaccinated, enjoying a night out. I went to museums; I stayed in hotels.

As I return to a still-shuttered Britain, I know I am going to miss the freedoms of America.