I find this difficult to get and depressing

What’s all this corona virus thing about?

Well, a virus is a very, very small thing that causes disease.

All of them cause disease?

No, most do nothing at all. We just live with them without knowing it. They are not even alive.

But this corona virus is a problem not so?

Yes, but only if you are a human. Animals don’t get it.

That’s a relief. But what happens if you get it?

Probably very little, but as an asthmatic I could have a problem.

What? Could you die?

Yes, if I am unlucky and don’t respond to the first line of treatment. It varies but about 2% of people in my age group die if they contract the virus.

You could go to hospital and get healed!

Zimbabwe is not a great place for that. The hospitals are not well equipped.

Oh. Can’t you protect yourself?

To a point. Try and stay away from other people and lots of hand washing.

Don’t people wear masks and gloves?

Yes, but they are largely useless. The masks that do work are only used in hospitals and need special fitting and frequent changing. Viruses stick to gloves too so they need to be changed all the time which most people don’t do.

So I don’t need to take precautions then. That’s a relief. Is this why you are not going out much? I like it when you stay at home.

Yes. Right now we are not allowed to go to work except in special circumstances. The idea is to reduce the spread of the virus, which is know as covid-19.

Is it going to work?

Probably not. It’s not being strictly enforced.

That sounds bad. Is it going to be bad?

Probably. Not just in health terms, also in economic terms – lots of people will lose their jobs.

I think I’d rather hunt lions, even though I’ve only got three legs. Will you keep your job?

I think so, but it could be a tough time. Don’t worry, we’ll look after you.