If you think the last year has been confusing for us grown-ups, just imagine how baffling it must have been for the youngsters. One minute life is all Octonauts and adventure, the next you’re stuck indoors watching your parents try and figure out how to set up a printer. But don’t take our word for it, here’s what some of Nottingham’s littlest residents have to say on the pandemic...
Hope, age 5
What do you think COVID is?
It’s a virus and it spreads among people. It’s everywhere across the world and not just in our country. It can go anywhere and be on anything, even plants and cars and stuff like that.
Why do people wear masks?
People wear masks to protect themselves. It means when you open your mouth the virus can’t come in or go out of your mouth to other people.
What has been your favourite thing to do during lockdown?
It’s been nice spending time with my family. But I’ve missed my friends a lot. I had my birthday party on Zoom and we had Princess Belle from Beauty and The Beast there. That made me and my friends really excited.
What have you missed during lockdown?
I’ve really missed seeing my friends. It’s been really hard. I did get to see them on Zoom a little bit, but it felt like it was a long time. It was really nice to go back to school and see them again properly.
What do you think about doctors and nurses?
They help people who have the coronavirus and they work really hard. They’re also helping to give us all jabs now so we won’t get the virus. We used to clap for them a lot with the people on our street.
Is Boris Johnson doing a good job?
No, not really. My mummy doesn’t like him at all. She says he’s an idiot.
Nanci, age 3
What do you think coronavirus is?
You might get a cold… I don’t know what it is.
But do you know what the coronavirus actually is?
I already told you ABOUT THE WORLD.
Why do you have to wear a mask?
So you don’t get cold!
What has been your favourite thing to do during lockdown?
I love you.
What do you think about doctors and nurses?
You should get a vaccination.
What do you think of Boris Johnson?
I don’t know Boris Johnson.
What would you do if you were in charge for the day?
I DON’T KNOW *flees interview*
I DON’T KNOW *flees interview*
Freddie, age 5
What do you think the coronavirus is?
I think it might be a disease… Well, I know it came from a different country and I know it affects everywhere on the planet.
Where did it come from?
I’m sure it was a country nearby.
Why do you have to wear a mask?
Because the germs spread out of your mouth to other nearby people.
What was your favorite thing to do during lockdown?
Probably Zoom call people so I can see them. I liked having fun activities to do, but also I’m looking forward to when the coronavirus has stopped because then I’ll get to see my friends and my family a bit more.
What have you missed most during lockdown?
Probably seeing granny and grandad. I missed seeing my friends for a limited while.
What do you think of doctors and nurses?
They can help us beat the coronavirus and get back to normal. They help people feel better.
Do you think Boris Johnson is doing a good job?
Maybe a tiny bit. He’s trying to help by calling people, like nurses and stuff. He could have asked if the nurses have the coronavirus though.
If you were in charge for one day, what would you do?
I would help everyone by letting them know that they should stay at home for a long time until the coronavirus is gone. I would also have a giant bouncy castle.
Oscar, age 4
What do you think the coronavirus is?
It’s a sneeze and when it gets in your mouth you can die.
Where did it come from?
I think from my school or from Scotland.
Why do you have to wear a mask?
So you can go into a shop otherwise you can’t go into the shop.
What was your favourite thing to do during lockdown?
Probably watching Netflix or… watching Netflix.
What have you missed the most during lockdown?
My teacher and Liam even though Liam is naughty.
What do you think of doctors and nurses?
If you break your leg they can put it back on or help you. And everyone clapped for them and I clapped.
Do you think Boris Johnson is doing a good job?
I don’t know. I don’t know, and I don’t want to answer.
If you were in charge for one day, what would you do?
I don’t want to be in charge, thank you.
Noah, age 3
What do you think coronavirus is?
It is boring.
What have you missed most during lockdown?
Sausages.
What has been your favourite thing to do during lockdown?
Sausages.
Do you think Boris Johnson is doing a good job?
Hair.
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