Chicago author describes scene in Italy during COVID-19 pandemic

Posted on March 30, 2020
Roebuck says the lockdown is scheduled to be lifted April Third. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – A Chicago author who logs many weeks a year in Italy says he’s drawn the wrong kind of attention from the police.

“I was stopped once already. They were not happy that my friend and I were out together,” said Lyle Roebuck. “You are only supposed to go out one person at a time, so, if you are with someone, that’s a big red flag.”

Roebuck says the Florence economy looks grim; not only is it dependent on tourism, but it also hosts about 30,000 American undergraduates.

Roebuck has published a short story collection and is due to put out his first novel this year.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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