Recent developments in the current situation in Italy regarding the pandemic
On Friday 6 November, Italy moved into a national lockdown as the total number of daily cases has been consistently between 25,000 and 35,000. This lockdown period is in place until Thursday 3 December but is likely to be extended beyond then. Currently, all regions of Italy are categorised into three tiers: yellow (least severe), orange and red (most severe). Each tier means additional restrictive measures are in place. Our region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia started out in the yellow tier but has been moved into the orange tier since 15 November. The main changes for our community have therefore been: 1) The curfew requiring everyone living in Italy to be in their place of residence between 22:00-05:00 (except for emergencies or if they work during those hours); 2) We are not allowed to leave our comune of Duino-Aurisina (approx. 45km²) except for work purposes or emergencies. A small number of adjustments will be made to some of the activities that were taking place outside the comune as a result of this. These measures reflect the fact that Italy is battling hard to reduce the number of virus cases both nationally and within our region. Areas located in the red tier are subjected to additional restrictions, which do not currently apply to us.
How is the College currently operating?
Lessons continue to be taught in person. To mitigate further against virus transmission risks, we have had to reduce or adapt some of our physical activities and social services as a result of the lockdown. All other aspects of college life remain as they have been since the beginning of term with regard to residential life and the use of common spaces, as these had already been reorganised in order to account for coronavirus prevention and containment measures.
Regarding the forthcoming vacations the College is prepared to host all students at the College over the winter break. A marquee has been assembled in the central courtyard of the College to provide a sheltered outdoor space that can be used for Covid-secure events during the winter period. Over the winter break it will be used for special lunches, dinners and other festive celebrations. There will also be a winter break programme for students, made up of different activities that they can choose to take part in.
Any of our decisions regarding student travel over the winter break are guided by the Covid restrictions within Italy, guidance from Italian authorities and the testing logistics of students returning to the College. Unfortunately, the number of positive virus cases in Italy and Europe has escalated rapidly in recent weeks to very high levels and is not reducing quickly. Therefore the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of 9 November has stated that any international travel should only be undertaken when absolutely necessary. This statement is likely to be in place for some time so we have taken the decision that we cannot support students travelling outside Italy during the winter break. We recognise that this will be difficult for students and families but we have to follow the guidance given by authorities and take the necessary steps to reduce the risks of virus transmissions in our own and other communities.
A decision regarding students being able to travel within Italy or within Friuli-Venezia Giulia will be made in the coming weeks as the situation of the pandemic continues to develop in Italy. The restrictions in Italy, as with elsewhere in Europe, change in a matter of days so it is very hard to predict with any certainty what the situation will be by the start or end of the winter break. Therefore, it is prudent to wait a little longer before making a decision regarding this.
If we ultimately we find ourselves in a situation where the vast majority of students remain in Duino, we will shorten the winter break and lessons will begin on Thursday 7 January. By doing this, we will create a longer break over the Easter period running from Friday 2 April to Sunday 11 April. Our hope with this is that by that time it might be easier to travel, allowing a greater number of students to leave Duino. It will also provide a slightly longer break before the final run into the IB exams for second-year students.
Though we cannot predict the state of the pandemic in mid-December, we are all aware that the World Health Organisation has recently declared that we are at a “critical juncture in the pandemic, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.” Record numbers of cases continue to be reported around the world and cases remain very high in Europe. The decisions we make in regards to travel over the winter break are not taken lightly, and we recognize it is not ideal for all students and families but they are decisions that attempt to balance all of the health, wellness and educational considerations of this most unique school year.
