Purgatory

In San Gerardo Hospital of Monza and Brianza doctors, nurses and civilians do swab tests, in order to keep operating inside the building, following the hospital’s regulations.


In San Gerardo Hospital of Monza and Brianza doctors, nurses and civilians do swab tests.
The test becomes a constant ritual, like a religious ceremony.
A confession where the doctor - through the tampon - reveals the sins of the patient.



Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 260 Italian doctors have died from the disease - largely due to a lack of knowledge around the virus and a lack of resources, such as personal protective equipment.



According to Professor of Sociology of Health Ivan Cavicchi, general practitioners and other primary care providers have been “abandoned” and “left without protections”.


With time, the working conditions of doctors and care providers have improved, as their access to PPI. To maintain control over the spreading of the infection between people and especially between hospital staff, one of the most important tools is swab testing, although it's a procedure that can feel intrusive and be quite painful.