The Two Remaining Residents in This Italian Village Still Socially Distance

The stunning Mediterranean country of Italy was home to one of the worst Coronavirus outbreaks early on. By May the virus had already claimed the lives of 30,000 Italians and was still spreading. In the months since Italy first reopened they’ve dealt with more than a few hiccups that have left many Italians fearful of a second wave. Namely, two residents of Umbria’s small village named Nortosce. Nortosce is tucked deep in the hills of central Italy’s Cerreto di Spoleto commune in Umbria. Due to the impact left by the Coronavirus, the residents of this tiny Italian village still socially distance. But here’s the kicker – there’s only two of them.

Italian Village Home to Just Two Residents – and They Still Socially Distance

Giovanni Carilli and Giampiero Nobili, longtime residents of Nortosce, are the only villagers who remain there. The scenic Umbrian village sits high atop a steep gorge at 900 metres and is largely abandoned, well, save for these two. Earthquakes in the ’90s led to a mass exodus of residents looking for a safer place to live and work in Rome. Giovanni and Giampiero, however, are determined to live out their twilight years here. Despite its impossible to reach location and population of just two people, Giovanni and Giampiero say they still don’t feel safe from the virus.

“I’m dead scared of the virus,” Giovanni said in a statement to CNN. “If I get sick, I’m on my own, who would look after me?
“I’m old, but I want to keep living here looking after my sheep, vines, beehives and orchard. Hunting truffles and mushrooms. I enjoy my life.” He concluded.

The two neighbours live simple lives and say they enjoy meeting with each other but maintain a safe distance and always wear masks. The two often walk to an ancient Roman fountain, the local water source, to gather water for the day. They also enjoy espresso together at opposite ends of a 2-meter long table at Giovanni’s house. Throughout Italy, masks are mandatory in public spaces, and distance should be observed. Local police are handing out fines that can climb to €1,000 ($1,170) in crowded metropolitan areas like Rome and Milan.

Italy Currently Bracing For Second Wave With New Measures

Italy has recently released new regulations following a surge in cases. In an effort to avoid another lockdown, PM Giuseppe Conte implemented new safety measures. As of October 19, Mayors have the liberty of setting a curfew as early at 21:00 along with adjusting operating hours and max capacities of restaurants. This follows Italy recording its highest daily infection rate for two days in a row – 10,925 cases reported on October 17, and another 11,705 cases on Sunday.