Country steels itself for the battle ahead

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was ashen faced as she addressed the nation. Her words hung heavy in the air and it was clear the past days had taken their toll on her just as much as they have on others.

But the message was clear, her delivery resolute and her determination to lead the nation in facing down the unprecedented threat that Covid-19 poses was clear.

As she rightly intimated, we are, as a nation, in unchartered territory right now and there is no way of knowing when we will finally be steering towards safe harbour.

Minutes earlier, Prime Minister Boris Johnson was delivering an address of his own, one that will be remembered in the history books in decades to come.

Measures never seen in peacetime are now upon us as we collectively fight against an invisble but highly dangerous enemy.

Difficult and sometimes controversial decisions are part of the day job in high office.

But this is not about politics or personalities, about the union, independence or anything else for that matter.

This is about saving people’s lives and ensuring that everyone has the best possible chance of coming through this crisis, however long it might last.

Pubs, clubs and restaurants and other social venues are now to close their doors to customers.

The livelihoods of tens of thousands of workers will now be propped up by government guarantee.

The measures will make for a surreal and eery streetscape.

But the scientific evidence suggests that fewer people on the streets will ultimately mean fewer deaths.

That is what everyone must strive for in these quite extraordinary times

In this moment, the word extraordinary also extends to the incredible NHS – the frontline in our collective fight against coronavirus.

For weeks, staff have been going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the health service is ready for the fight ahead. They will now have to steel themselves for an even greater battle. They have our respect and admiration.