Covid 2020: The surreal 'hugging room'

The Surreal "Hugging Room" During Covid-19

In November 2020, an Italian care home introduced a creative way to combat the isolation caused by Covid-19: a "hugging room." This unique space allowed residents to safely embrace their loved ones through a plastic barrier, overcoming the challenge of social distancing without sacrificing physical connection.

How the Hugging Room Worked

The room was designed with a transparent plastic screen separating residents and visitors. This barrier prevented viral transmission while enabling close physical contact through the screen, making emotional connection possible under strict safety measures.

"It was a small gesture that meant the world to us," said one family member, highlighting the emotional relief brought by this simple yet effective invention.

Impact on Residents and Families

The hugging room provided a rare opportunity for physical closeness during a period defined by isolation and loneliness in care homes. Families who had been unable to touch their elderly relatives for months described the experience as deeply moving and vital for mental well-being.


This inventive approach to balancing safety and affection in care homes during the pandemic shows how human connection found creative ways to survive even in the toughest conditions.

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BBC BBC — 2025-11-29

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