COVID-19 through the eyes of kids

Area youngsters discuss the current pandemic
As the COVID-19 pandemic took control in March, the world around us was put on hold, not only for adults but for youngsters, as well. A state order to stay at home was in place. School was put on pause, then canceled altogether. And now summer is approaching with nearly as much uncertainty. As we see the events unfold through our eyes, let’s take a look at what the eyes of our youth are seeing. Below are pandemic-centric questions fielded by local kids Easton Hohenfeldt, 6, of Miller; Elsey Schmutz, 8, of Mt. Vernon and Gavin Burton, 14, of Miller.
What do you think the coronavirus is?
Easton - The coronavirus was made by a guy named Corona. But I don’t know what it is.
Elsey - I don’t like it. It’s a type of animal that made the coronavirus.
Gavin - A virus of our nose or throat.
Do you know how you catch the coronavirus?
Easton - You get it when you’re outside and touch things that other people touched.
Elsey - You have to wash your hands so you don’t get germs and catch it.
Gavin - When someone coughs and/or sneezes on you.
What have you heard mom and dad say about the virus?
Easton - Nothing.
Elsey - I don’t like staying with my kids. They want us to go back to school.
Gavin - That you have to wash your hands, sanitize and social distance.
Does it make you scared or nervous when people talk about it?
Easton - Yeah, but I don’t know why.
Elsey - No. It felt like it was really far away. Just on the news. But not here.
Gavin - Not really, but a little bit.
How do you feel about being out of school for so long because of the virus?
Easton - It’s bad. I don’t like it. I just like it a little bit. I like school and being with my friends. I’m ready to go to first grade.
Elsey - I miss my teacher, Miss Cantrell and my friends. I missed my musical and track and field day. But we’ve done fun stuff at home. We did tie-dye and have ridden our bikes a lot. Gavin - I wish I could go back to school.
Why do you think all the stores and restaurants are closed?
Elsey - Because of the virus. I don’t like it. My favorite is Panera Bread.
Gavin - So people would stay at home and not go anywhere.
What do you think about some people wearing masks?
Easton - It’s bad. I had to wear one one time when my sister had to have her blood taken out. It was a tie mask.
Elsey - I had to wear one to get my nails done. It bothered me. It smelled and it was hot.
Gavin - They wear them so they don’t spread germs from their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze.
What has been your favorite part about staying home for so long?
Easton - Watching movies, playing hide and seek, jumping on the trampoline, swimming, helping dad build a chicken coop and planting the garden. My sister is always wanting me to do things with her, but I keep saying no.
Elsey - Playing with my friends.
Gavin - Hanging out with my parents.
What has been the hardest part about staying home?
Easton - Sometimes we stay home a lot but sometimes we go places. We go out to eat. And I go with dad to go pick up more boards to work on the house.
Elsey - Doing chores. I’m ready for school to start back up.
Gavin - Not getting to see my friends.