The idea is brilliant; one that will hopefully be replicated in other parts of the world. In the times of Covid-19, when everyone is particular about maintaining appropriate distance, it is only natural for some people to miss physical contact, especially those who are currently isolated because of their illness.

To make things slightly more bearable for Covid patients, hospital “Nuovo Ospedale dei Castelli” in Ariccia, in the south of Rome, has set up a “Room of Hugs”, where a specially designed plastic sheet separates the visitors’ wing from the patients’ wing. The highlight of the room, however, is the tube-shaped plastic-sleeve “arms” attached to the doorframe, which allow a patient’s loved ones to hug them, albeit with a sheet of plastic between them!

Patients Salvatore and Alida, who will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in a few days, will certainly get to experience grande emozioni in the Room of Hugs!