44 people in the Netherlands are called Corona. One of them, Corona de Wert, has been working for years as an external communication advisor for Radboud In’to Languages and ICT in Education.

How do you feel?

‘I feel fine, thank you. I’ve lived for 56 years with the name Corona, so far without any problems.’

Should we be afraid of Corona?

‘Not of me, that’s for sure. As a communication expert, I look with fascination and wonder at all the attention around the virus. I think the communication from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment is very clear and factual, but the media are following the developments rather closely. Every new infection case makes the national headlines: is it necessary? At times, it looks a bit like scaremongering to me, even though, as a non-medical expert, I find it difficult to get a clear sense of the issue.’

Aren’t people driving you crazy with comments about your name?

‘I hardly get any comments. Although, I was at a party last week, with some new people, and when I introduced myself they commented on my name. This is rare, though. I was thinking of the name ‘Isis’. A couple of years ago, that name suddenly got a lot of attention, because of the eponymous Middle Eastern terrorist group.’

So people don’t bother you about it? I’m surprised.

‘You know, I think I just beat people to it. Corona is such an unusual name that people often remember it wrong, as Corina or Carola. When I meet people for the first time, I usually mention the beer brand, to help people remember.’

I guess people will have no trouble remembering now.

‘That’s true. These days, I automatically add that I was there before the virus. I hope I can soon go back to mentioning the beer brand – it’s a more positive association.’

According to the Meertens Institute, there are only 44 people in the Netherlands called Corona. Do you know how your parents chose your name?

‘I was named after the sun’s corona, the halo that only becomes visible during sun eclipses. My father was interested in astronomy, whence the name. People sometimes remark on the astronomical link. Incidentally, corona is also a concept in the academic world (the name for the committee asking questions of the candidate during a PhD defence, Eds.). So I’m used to my name bringing up associations for people.’