Toddler has a cute message to his doctor mom: 'Don't be a zombie'

It can be difficult to explain to kids how the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects our daily life.

A doctor, however, used a metaphor that her three-year-old son could easily understand: zombies.

In Corinne Catibayan's report  for "24 Oras," Dr. Cat Rey shared how quickly her son Santi grasped the concept.

"He knows that there's a virus. He tells me na, 'Don't be a zombie.' Kasi 'yun 'yung explanation namin eh, pag nagka-corona ka magiging zombie si mom," she said.

In the educational anime series "Cells At Work," zombies were also used to depict the Type A Influenza  virus.

READ: This story book helps kids understand COVID-19

According to Cat, she and Santi haven't seen each other for two months now. Even though their home is near the hospital, Cat doesn't want to risk exposing Santi to the virus she battles every day.

This Mother's Day is the first time they won't be together to celebrate.

"Yung hardest part naman, he needs me and he wants me to go home," she said.

READ: Here's how to talk to your children about COVID-19, according to experts

Asked if she has any message for her son, Cat could hardly control her tears.

"Always be a good boy, listen to your grandparents and I will see you soon. I love you," she said. 

Earlier, actress Isabelle Daza came up with an animated story book in Tagalog and English to explain COVID-19 to children. —MGP, GMA News