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It was a sunny day at 52 Festive Road and Mr Benn was busy taking care of the garden. Children outside were busy playing and the odd shopper was passing by. "I wonder if it will rain today?", thought Mr Benn to himself. "Perhaps there will be time to visit the costume shop before it does?", he mused. Mr Benn, with no further hesitation, took his umbrella and set out on his way. He opened the gate of number 52 Festive Road and set out on his way to his favourite costume shop. The shop where he so often had adventures. The rain held out and the sun peeked through a grey cloud. Mr Benn arrived at the shop and opened the door. Lots of costumes lined the shop racks and this time Mr Benn noticed something strange. Next to the pirate costume was an odd looking surgical mask, but black all over. "I wonder what that is?", thought Mr Benn to himself. "Maybe I should try it on?" DING! As if by magic the shopkeeper appeared. "What would you like to try on today?, he asked, looking at Mr Benn helpfully. "Well, this looks interesting!", replied Mr Benn. "Should I try it on?" The shopkeeper gestured to the changing room. The room where adventures always happen. Once in the fitting room, Mr Benn put on the strange mask. "How stuffy and uncomfortable it feels!", he exclaimed. Then, with no further thought Mr Benn went through the special door. He was ready for a new adventure. As soon as he walked through the door, Mr Benn was greeted by the most astonishing scene. Lots of people were walking in the street and each and every one of them all had similar masks to himself. Even children were diaguised in similar masks but nobody seemed to be having a good time. "They all look so glum and serious!", exclaimed Mr Benn. "Whatever can be the matter", he wondered out loud. Nearby some children were playing with a strange box that lit up when they tapped on its buttons. Mr Benn decided to approach and inquire why all the people in the street were so gloomy and in disguise. "They are afraid they might catch a virus!", the children responded. "Everybody has to wear a mask in case they get a bad cold", they added. Mr Benn was quite taken aback. He had never been on an adventure quite as unusual as this. "Why don't the townspeople just go and buy some Beechams Powders from the chemist?", inquired Mr Benn. However, as he glanced at the chemist shop across the street he noticed something quite odd. A large sign was pinned on the shop door which read, "KEEP OUT! Go home if you feel unwell!" And inside a chair had been propped against the door to discourage shoppers from entering. To be continued.