The one-hour special, “The ABC’s of Covid 19: A CNN / Sesame Street Town Hall for Families,” aired Saturday mornings and was presented by CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Anchor Erica Hill, and Big Bird.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, who will continue to advise the White House as Chief Medical Adviser to President-elect Joe Biden, also answered questions from viewers.
Big Bird was disappointed to not be able to make his traditional birdseed fruitcake with his grandmother, but he says they are going to bake together via video chat instead.
Dr. Gupta said he will make care packages for his neighbors and leave them at their doorstep.
He said he would ring the bell and watch them open the presents from a safe distance.
Sesame Street character Zoe said she makes gifts for the heroes in her area, and showed a painted rock she made for the local fire department.
Oscar de Grouch was just glad he had an excuse to stay in his trash can away from people.
Dr. Fauci, when will we be able to hug our families again?
Freddie, 4, told Dr. Fauci that he wanted to give his grandmother a hundred hugs.
“I think if you’re in the immediate household … and it’s not someone who might come in and travel … yes, you can give them hugs,” said Dr. Fauci to him.
Dr. However, Fauci said if that person has traveled through airports and train stations and comes into your home, that’s a bigger concern.
Children and the vaccine
Viewers wanted to know when kids can get the vaccine and see their friends again.
Dr. Fauci explained that, to be extra safe, health officials want to wait a month or two before conducting studies in children.
“So hang there for a few more months, and we’ll be in good shape,” Fauci said.
Children also asked Dr. Fauci whether the vaccine hurts.
He assured them that the shot is a “squeeze,” but the squeeze really only takes a few seconds.
Dr. Gupta, who received the first of the two vaccine doses, showed a photo of his Elmo doll and matching Elmo patch.
He said it didn’t hurt.
Will Santa still be able to come to my house?
Dr. Fauci said he personally traveled to the North Pole and vaccinated Santa Claus.
“I’ve measured his immunity level and he’s ready to go,” said Dr. Fauci. “He can come down the chimney, he can leave the presents, he can leave and you don’t have to worry about anything.”
Feeling grateful with fewer gifts
With so many families facing job cuts this year, hosts Claire Babineaux-Fontenot, the CEO of Feeding America, asked about ways people can get through a perhaps leaner Christmas.
“There are many ways we can stop and think about the things we have while trying to think about what’s to come,” Babineaux-Fontenot said.
“One of the things that really helped me as a kid… was this song that I thought had a powerful, powerful trick in it,” she said. “It’s called ‘My Favorite Things,’ and what it got me to do is list all the things I already have that I really appreciate.”
For her, it was purple, or her favorite doll at the time, Mrs. Beasley.
Or you could list all the people you are very grateful for in your life, and write them why you are grateful for them, she suggested.
‘Anyone can have an impact, regardless of age’
“You can help by doing something small, even if it’s saying ‘hello’ to someone or checking in with your neighbors. I always say that anyone can have an influence, no matter their age,” he said.