Queen and Boris Johnson tell coronavirus-hit Brits to play their ‘important’ part by avoiding pubs and not panic-buying
THE Queen and the PM yesterday urged the UK to unite and behave responsibly to beat coronavirus within 12 weeks.
In a passionate plea, Boris Johnson said the bug can be “sent packing” if the public follow the strict new rules.
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He urged the nation: Don’t go to the pub, work from home and wash your hands."
Her Majesty said: “I am certain we are up to the challenge. Our history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one."
Her call came as the PM revealed scientific developments were on the horizon that could "turn the tide in the next 12 weeks".
The first British sufferer is trialling a treatment drug and vaccine testing will begin next month, while doctors will be able to ramp up testing for Covid-19 to 250,000 a day.
The PM added: “I’m absolutely confident we can send coronavirus packing but only if we all take the steps outlined. I know we are asking a huge amount from people but it is crucial for saving thousands of lives.
“It is by this combination of determined, collective action and scientific progress that we are already seeing we will succeed.”
As the death toll rose by 40 to 144 yesterday:
- Boris issued another plea to stop panic buying, urging shoppers to "be reasonable, considerate and thoughtful of others"
- He insisted London will never be closed down like Paris, Milan and New York despite its rising contagion rate
- Mayor Sadiq Khan shut 40 Tube stations to help stretched staff, and told people to stay off public transport unless essential
- Emergency legislation was unveiled giving ministers "police state" powers to tackle coronavirus
- The Church of England advised weddings should only include the legal minimum of five people
- Schools will be closed from Friday - with confusion over the shutdown
In Boris's impassioned plea to the nation, he begged Brits to stop going out to the pub, practise social distancing and work from home if they can.
"Please, please follow that advice," he told the public, as he thanked them for their valiant efforts so far.
The PM again refused to rule out shutting pubs and restaurants to try to stop the spread, but made no hint as to whether it was on the way soon.
"We will do it very much by the science and whether we think the advice given is working," he said.
"If we feel if it isn't working and we need to bring in tougher measures... nothing is ruled out."
His comments came just an hour after the Queen told Brits we must all "play our part" and not be selfish as the UK faces its biggest challenge since World War Two.
It comes after she and husband Prince Philip, 98, headed to Windsor a week early - expected to stay at the castle past Easter as the elderly were warned to self-isolate.
In a statement released today, the Queen admitted the country was entering a time of "great concern and uncertainty".
She said: "We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.
"At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal."
The UK death toll today hit 144, with than 3,269 cases recorded up and down the country.
And the Queen's message to protect the most vulnerable comes as supermarkets were put under immense strain amid panic-buying Brits.
Shoppers have been pictured brawling over toilet paper and booze after fears the UK could be put under lockdown.
Boris today added his pleas for retailers to not see an opportunity to profiteer - and asked shoppers to "be reasonable".
He said: "Please be reasonable in your shopping and be considerate of others".
STAND TOGETHER: The Queen's message to the nation
As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.
We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.
At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.
We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals - today and in the coming days, weeks and months.
Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge.
You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.
Her message came as Brits were warned to stay at home and avoid all non-essential travel in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.
The drastic action has also seen the public told to stay out of pubs and clubs, with the elderly told to self-isolate for 12 weeks.
Prince William and Prince Harry have also released statements over the coronavirus crisis, with Wills admitting the "day he dreaded most" had come.
