Queen Elizabeth to the British nation: We will overcome the disease if we remain united and determined

(Patria) – Queen Elizabeth told the British nation on Sunday evening that it will overcome the coronavirus epidemic if it remains firm on isolation and other emergency measures.

In only the fifth emergency address in 68 years of reign, Elizabeth called on Britons to show the resolve of their ancestors and demonstrate that they are as strong as past generations.

- Together we are fighting this disease, and I assure you that we will overcome it if we remain united and determined, said the Queen, who turns 94 this month.

Recalling the times of the Second World War, Elizabeth praised the British 'national spirit' in dealing with problems, including the epidemic, but also touched on personal losses and emphasised that the only comfort is that we will 'meet again'.

She added that we 'should find comfort in the fact that better days will return, although we still have much to endure... we will be with friends again, with families, we will meet again'.

The Queen praised healthcare workers as well as all other workers on the front line, performing jobs of essential importance to the nation: '...who selflessly continue with their daily duties outside their homes to support us all'.

She also thanked everyone who stays at home because 'by doing so they protect the most vulnerable'.

The British government hopes that the Queen's intervention, planned in close cooperation with the Prime Minister's cabinet, will help citizens adhere more responsibly to emergency measures such as isolation, especially as we head into warmer weather.

Apart from the traditional Christmas message, the Queen's address to the nation is a true rarity. Before this occasion, Elizabeth spoke under the extraordinary circumstances of the Gulf War in 1991, ahead of Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, on the occasion of the death of the Queen Mother in 2002, and on the occasion of her own Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

In Great Britain, 5,900 new cases and 600 deaths were recorded on Sunday. The sharp increase is attributed to increased testing.