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Queen Urges Britons to Focus on ‘Common Goal’ as Virus Spreads

Queen Urges Britons to Focus on ‘Common Goal’ as Virus Spreads

(Bloomberg) --

Queen Elizabeth II urged people to adapt their lifestyles and work together to protect the most vulnerable as the U.K. accelerated its efforts to tackle the deepening coronavirus crisis.

The 93-year-old monarch said Britain’s history is “forged by people and communities coming together to work as one” and it has succeeded when people unite in pursuit of a common goal.

She and her husband, Prince Philip, traveled to Windsor Castle, to the west of London, on Thursday, according to the statement.

“We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services,” she said. “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.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government is considering tougher action to fight the spread of the coronavirus in London, the epicenter of the U.K. outbreak, though it denied it plans to ban people from leaving their homes or the city. Bars, restaurants and shops are expected to close in an effort to contain the outbreak, which has taken at least 104 lives in the U.K..

“Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe,” the queen said. “I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.”

©2020 Bloomberg L.P.