Sophia woke up excited for the first day of school. She had all of her things ready for the big day. Her backpack, lunchbox, pencil case and jacket were by the kitchen door. "Don't forget your mask," her mother called. 

"Why do I have to wear a mask to school?" groaned Sophia. 

Sophia's mother replied, "Right now in 2020, we are experiencing a global pandemic, called COVID-19." 

She went on to explain, "A global pandemic is when a disease spreads across the world. Right now there is no cure for COVID-19, Sophia."

Sophia picked up her backpack and headed for the car. "But I still don't see why we have to wear a mask to school. We're just kids."

"In order to protect each other from getting COVID-19 we must all wear face masks. That way our germs aren't spread to each other," her mother said.

"There are some other things that you can do to keep safe at school, too."