Denmark is in a serious situation. We share that fate with all of Europe, yes, with the rest of the world.

Many people have been affected by the coronavirus and we know that many more will be ill in the near future. 

I can understand that many are troubled and worried, because our reality and our everyday lives have been turned upside down. 

We have become accustomed to the world being open, now the borders are closed. 

Spring is coming, Denmark is bursting with life. Now everyday life is put on hold. It feels both scary and unreal, but it is our new reality and we must realize and learn that it requires something from all of us. 

Over the past week, the authorities have had to make a number of necessary decisions that we can all feel in our daily lives. 

It concerns all of us. A little while ago, the Prime Minister had to make even stronger decisions. We must do something each and every one.

What we do and how we act these days can be crucial to how the situation develops in the coming weeks. 

That’s why I’m sitting here tonight. 

I have an appeal to everyone:

Corona virus is a dangerous guest. It spreads like rings in the water and it goes strong. One person can infect many – even without feeling ill themselves, and the infection goes on to even more, a long and frightening chain. In that chain, people will die. 

A child may lose his grandmother, a daughter his father, a wife her husband. Friends suddenly won’t be there anymore. 

It is the chain that we must break and that we can break. It can only happen when we all think and do the same thing at the same time – and in the right time. 

The advice of the authorities is actually quite simple: Wash hands. Keep distance. Avoid physical contact. Stay home. 

Those are the ground rules, and many people happily follow them; but unfortunately, not everyone takes the situation seriously enough. 

It is serious and it applies to all of us. 

Of course, it is disappointing and unfortunate not to be able to meet with your friends, especially when you are young. But you have both the time for you and other ways to meet in this digital age. 

Of course, my call does not only apply to young people. You can still see groups of all ages staying too close together. Some even still hold parties and round birthdays.

I don’t think you can be familiar.

It’s mindless. And first and foremost, it is ruthless.

We have already had several deaths from corona virus. Tonight I send my deepest condolences to the survivors. My thoughts go to everyone who has fallen ill and to their relatives here in Denmark, in Greenland and in the Faroe Islands. I also think of all the Danes abroad who right now feel far from home. 

My warmest thanks go to everyone who keeps the necessary features of our community going. To the health personnel, emergency preparedness, defense and police. For shop employees, drivers and anyone who fits their work in difficult conditions. 

I also extend a warm thank you to the authorities for taking on the heavy responsibility that is theirs. 

In our father’s time we hold together, it lies deep within us people, it also naturally falls to us here in the country. This time, we must show unity by staying away. 

It is natural that we are worried, but together we can create new hope in a difficult time. 

My thoughts go to each one in this country with the desire for hope and confidence and good courage.