British Prime Minister Boris Johnson warns all British in a letter about the difficult times the country will face in the coming weeks, in the fight against the coronavirus.
The new coronavirus was diagnosed at Johnson earlier this week.
In the letter, the prime minister does not exclude that even stricter measures will be taken. “I think it’s important to speak honestly with you – we know things will get worse before they get better,” said Johnson in the letter published Saturday evening by Downing Street.
“We are making the right preparations, and the more we follow the rules, the fewer lives we have to regret, and the faster life returns to normal.”
The lung disease already claimed 1,020 lives in Great Britain; the number of confirmed infections is 17,300. In addition to Johnson, Britain’s health minister Matt Hancock and Prince Charles are also infected.
After long hesitation, Johnson also introduced a ban on non-essential travel in recent months. In early March, Johnson had proudly announced that he had shaken hands with people who were in a hospital. Covid-19 patients were also included. Then the British Prime Minister said he would do that again.
In the letter, Johnson explains why measures have been taken in recent weeks. He understands that “this disruption” involves difficulties.
“If too many people become seriously ill at the same time, the National Health Service (NHS) will no longer be able to bear it. (…) That is why we are giving a simple assignment: you must stay at home.”
Next week, the 30 million British families will receive the letter in the mail.
