This qualitative study explores Italians’ experiences and attitudes towards the COVID-19 lockdown (March 9–May 18, 2020). Semi-structured interviews (n=18) revealed the lockdown significantly reshaped daily life and relationships, eliciting both positive and negative responses. While public health measures were largely accepted, they also caused uncertainty and stress, highlighting system tensions. Respondents struggled to define criteria for allocating scarce intensive care resources, revealing ethical dilemmas. Media coverage was deemed confusing, fostering critical media consumption.

Virginia Romano, Mirko Ancillotti, Deborah Mascalzoni, Roberta Biasiozzo