March 26, 2021
By Emilia Calabrese
Staff Writer
Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic began, traveling has been rather difficult for many. To minimize the spread of the virus, a large number of countries have established travel bans and new restrictions. Sanitizing stations, social distancing floor stickers, Covid-19 testing and mask mandates have all become a regular part of the travel routine.
Visiting family members in another country is not easy because of all the new restrictions that have been put in place. Millions of people are forced to be isolated from loved ones and are uncertain when they will be able to see each other again.
This situation has tremendously affected me and my family as well. Due to all of the lockdowns and restrictions currently happening in Italy, we are unable to just get on a plane and see my great-grandparents.
My great-grandparents faced many health issues from the start of the pandemic. This situation has been hard on my family and me because my great-grandparents are living in Sicily, Italy, which has recently been hit hard with coronavirus cases, making it extremely difficult to go there and help them.
Recently, my great-grandfather passed away at age 89, and we were not able to be there to say our last goodbyes or attend his funeral. My great-grandmother was not able to visit him at the hospital but was able to say her final goodbyes over the phone.
My great-grandmother is continuing to battle some health issues unrelated to Covid-19. My family was able to move my great-grandmother to a senior assisted living facility where she is being monitored by doctors and nurses since we are not able to do so ourselves.
This situation has tremendously affected me and my family as well. Due to all of the lockdowns and restrictions currently happening in Italy, we are unable to just get on a plane and see my great-grandparents.
Thankfully, my great-grandmother has some nieces and nephews who live nearby which helps us communicate with her and take care of personal matters.
My family and I wish we could have seen my great-grandfather one last time and help my great-grandmother during this frustrating and tough time.
Sicily is currently facing a second wave of Covid-19 which has caused it to be under full lockdown and designated as a red zone. Not only are international travelers not allowed to enter the country, but residents in Sicily are not permitted to travel outside of their town except for medical reasons or necessities.
The time we spend with loved ones should always be cherished as much as possible because we never know when it will be the last time. Nobody knows when the Covid-19 pandemic will end, but we just need to stay patient and be grateful for the positive things in life.
