• There was a significant reduction in tonsillitis episodes and antibiotic requirement during the 2-month lockdown period in comparison with 2 months prior to lockdown • Household smoking did not seem to affect tonsillitis frequency in this study • In 70% of cases parents wanted their child’s tonsillectomy during the coronavirus outbreak • Viral exposure is possibly a key factor in the pathophysiology of recurrent tonsillitis • Social distancing measures may reduce the frequency of tonsillitis