It should not be a coincidence that in Sicily, which became the yellow zone yesterday, the use of masks is occasional. The testimonies of public scenes where the wearer is not seen or is just an exception are repeated. However, they demonstrate the consolidation of an ever wider malpractice. Legitimated, moreover, by a series of fugitive or ineffective controls. In the Sicilian land – but it is not the only one – the pandemic has made the absence of the mask endemic. But the penalties for misbehavior are many. They should dissuade, by themselves, this now widespread vice.
The theoretical risk of a fine of 280 euros
In October last year, fines and other penalties were launched to inflict on those who behaved incorrectly with respect to the anti-Covid-19 prevention measures. For those who do not wear the mask when they have to do it, the amount inflicted is 280 euros, doubled in case of recidivism. In the case of a gathering, a similar sum. In situations of non-compliance with the rules it is more than easy to find both irregularities. Especially among the youngest gathered in the nightlife in the evening. In Sicily it seems to be the rule. But it is certainly not the only region where these scenes take place. The writer found himself on August 15th in Puglia in a rotisserie: a group of young people, waiting to order, unlike the adults, was completely devoid of facial protection devices and did not bat an eye despite the protests.
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The ambiguities of the controls
In a scenario of social suffering such as that of Covid-19, it was therefore decided in an almost tacit but generalized way among the various levels of authority not to be careful or picky with controls. Those entitled to do so are the national and local police forces. Certainly it has not helped some cases of sanctions imposed with too much zeal: they are never lacking and immediately take the clamor of the news. It must be said, then, as in the territory there is always a rebound of responsibility. State Police, Arma dei Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza, with the staff in constant reduction, are forced to downsize this kind of checks. The local police depend on the mayors: their order of sweeping checks is unlikely.
The misunderstanding about the lack of pressure with the economy in recession
The verification actions on commercial establishments are largely carried out by the municipal police forces. On the limited number access, greater rigor was seen first of all on the part of the owners. The idea of a soft line in the controls on the use of masks, on the other hand, is based on the presumed understanding, boundless to the point of indulgence, towards business activities in difficulty. In reality, those who wish go shopping with a mask as much as those who go without. The owners of the shops are distinguished, in turn, in strict and compliant. In the end it’s just a question of civility and respect for others. If they fail and the prevention measures are not applied, nor the controls are activated, the infections spread like wildfire. Sicily docet.