Plans for travel cancelled, revised

Dunedin resident Domenico Cortesi looks at pictures from his last visit to see friends in Covid-19-hit Castelnuovo Bocca d’Adda, Italy. Photo: Peter McIntosh

Domenico Cortesi said five of his friends from Castelnuovo Bocca d’Adda, in Lombardy, were fearful for their lives, having contracted the virus.

The 72-year-old, who moved to New Zealand five years ago, said he and his friends were in the vulnerable age group most susceptible to the new strain of coronavirus.

‘‘They are scared because everyone is telling them people over 70 are going to die.’’

Mr Cortesi, who moved to New Zealand to be closer to his grandchildren, said his friends had had to change their whole way of life.

‘‘They contain themselves in their houses as much as possible, but from time to time they have to go out to get something.’’

His friends tried to avoid traditional Italian greetings of hugs and kisses, and spurned crowds, but could not wear masks as the only pharmacy in the village had run out.

Mr Cortesi was due to fly to Italy in May, but the retired academic had decided to cancel his flight until it was safer to travel.

His friends had told him they had confidence in the region’s health facilities, but had lost faith with the government for not containing the spread of the virus.

Italy has been put into lockdown. All sporting events have been postponed, schools and universities are closed and people have been urged to stay at home.

Those trying to use the airports would be questioned about whether their travel was essential.

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade asked all New Zealanders living in or visiting northern Italy to register on SafeTravel.

Several ODT readers had holidays booked in Italy and said on Facebook they hoped things would improve.

Natasha Ung said she was waiting for news from her travel agent.

‘‘Our trip is to southern Italy and Sicily and is for 25 days, but who knows what we are going to do now.’’

Jenna Dale was hoping for more positive news by the time she was due to fly.

‘‘We are flying into Italy in six weeks. No changes or cancellations have been made to our plans yet. Too soon to tell, I think.’’

Italy has also prohibited all cruise ships from docking, affecting Cheryl Inwood’s planned trip in mid-April.

‘‘Still unsure what sort of refund we will get from flights, but Princess Cruises are being pretty awesome about rescheduling.’’

matthew.mckew@odt.co.nz