Solidarity at 7

Alessandro Grassani for The New York Times

Encouraging doctors and nurses from balconies in Milan.Credit...

Borrowing a page from the Italians, some Piedmont residents have started taking to their front porches every evening at 7 p.m. to clap, yell, or bang pots as a way to show their support for the healthcare workers, police, firefighters and other essential workers within the community who are on the front lines of fighting COVID-19.

Anecdotally, Exedra has heard about residents on Oakland Ave., Scenic, and Mesa Ave. participating after neighborhood emails circulated inviting residents to join in. “People just came outside, clapped, some banged pans — and then many of the adults stood six or more feet apart and talked — many with a glass of wine in hand. We agreed to try to to it again — every night, for anyone who was interested. Definitely felt good, and has led to some email exchanges along the lines of: ‘I’m headed to Costco. Anyone need anything?'” said Maude Pervere who participated in a show of solidarity last night.

Is your neighborhood doing this? Let us know!


Leave a Reply

The Exedra comments section is an essential part of the site. The goal of our comments policy is to help ensure it is a vibrant yet civil space. To participate, we ask that Exedra commenters please provide a first and last name. Please note that comments expressing congratulations or condolences may be published without full names. (View our full Comments Policy.)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *