Solidarity across rooftops and courtyards seemed ever more precious after many cities, including Rome and Milan, decreed public parks off-limits Saturday, after some people disobeyed lockdown rules and hung out in groups to jog together, play soccer or crowd benches. Under the government decree, people had been allowed to stroll, run or bike-ride in parks but only if they kept at least a meter (around three feet) apart from others. Encouragement came from Pope Francis, who himself has lamented that he felt as if he were in a “cage” at the Vatican, since his public audiences have been scrapped. Even his weekly blessing, delivered on Sundays from a window overlooking St Peter’s Square, has been suspended while Italy hunkers down to reduce mass gatherings. During Mass on Saturday at the Vatican hotel where he lives, Francis had words for those forced to stay home, their routines suddenly yanked from under them.

Source: Daily Sun March 15, 2020 07:41 UTC