Speech by King Willem-Alexander about the corona crisis
(DutchMen / Shutterstock.com)
Within a few weeks, our daily lives have changed dramatically. The corona virus affects us all, in the Netherlands, in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and around the world.
Most affected are the people who are seriously ill and their families. We deeply sympathize with the relatives of the people who have died and with all corona patients, at home or in a hospital.
We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
The measures to slow down the spread of the virus are necessary and far-reaching. I understand your grief if you cannot visit your loved one, your mother, father, grandmother or grandfather in the nursing home. Right now You only want one thing: to hold their hand. Give comfort.
People deliver exceptional performance. This, of course, applies to our doctors and nurses. You rightly receive a lot of appreciation from the whole society. We are proud of our healthcare professionals and of the entire medical sector. Thousands of former healthcare providers and other volunteers volunteer to help. Fantastic.
We can also be proud of the experts from RIVM, the GGDs and all other institutions and experts who show us the way based on scientific research and experiential knowledge. They are under high pressure. It is important that we continue to give them our confidence and follow all directions. They have only one goal in mind and that is that we get through this crisis together as best as possible and that the risks for vulnerable people remain as small as possible.
We also realize all too well how indispensable the people are who prevent our society from coming to a standstill. People in logistics, supermarkets, cleaning, IT, education, childcare, public transport, the police and all those other places.
You 'carry' us through this difficult time.
It simply won't work without you. Thank you very much.
Our hearts also go out to anyone who is concerned about the continuity of their business. Whether you are an exporter or a self-employed person, this situation hits hard. It's terrible to see your own business that you have put so much time and love into jeopardy for years. This also applies to people in the cultural sector who are unable to realize their beautiful projects at the moment.
I also think of all the children in the Netherlands. I totally understand how you feel. At first it might be exciting to be free. But that will soon pass. Not being able to go to school. Not to soccer or ballet class. Birthday parties that are cancelled. That's pretty hard.
Also for parents! Suddenly you are at home with the whole family. Forced to work from home, hardly having opportunities to go out because almost everything you were looking forward to has been canceled...
That demands a lot from all of us.
If you are insecure or afraid, the need for contact with other people is great. You want to tell your story. You prefer familiar faces around you. If possible, forget your worries together.
In the current circumstances, that has become much more difficult. We miss our regular patterns and especially the people who go with them. Your work environment. The sports club, the coffee morning, the music association, the family weekend, the church service.
The lack of this makes this situation extra difficult for everyone, but especially for older people who are vulnerable.
Fortunately, there is a lot we can do. After all, we all know who needs attention in our immediate environment. This is something we have to go through together. A lot of people realize that. They keep a watchful eye on others and help each other where possible.
We cannot stop the coronavirus. The loneliness virus does!
Together let's make sure no one feels left behind.
If a visit is not possible, then fortunately there are online means of communication, the telephone or the post. And the Netherlands would not be the Netherlands if people everywhere did not spontaneously take action.
Neighbors who are ready for the residential care center in the neighborhood. People who volunteer at a helpline. Students who offer themselves as child care to parents with vital professions. Corona unleashes an incredible amount of decisiveness, creativity and humanity.
It is these qualities that we continue to need very much, not only now, but certainly also later when circumstances may become even more challenging.
You all ensure that despite the paralysis of public life, the heart of our society continues to beat. Alertness, solidarity and warmth: as long as we hold on to those three, we can handle this crisis together, even if it takes a little longer.
2020 will be a year that each of us will remember for a lifetime. Everyone has their own experiences and lives it in a different way. But I hope and expect that a sense of togetherness and pride will continue to bind us through this difficult time.
About this blogger
-
Known as Khun Peter (62), lives alternately in Apeldoorn and Pattaya. In a relationship with Kanchana for 14 years. Not yet retired, have my own company, something with insurance. Crazy about animals, especially dogs and music.
Enough hobbies, but unfortunately little time: writing for Thailandblog, fitness, health and nutrition, shooting sports, chatting with friends and some other oddities.
Read the latest articles here
HotelsJanuary 13 2025Escape to luxury and nature at Roukh Kiri Khao Yai
News from ThailandJanuary 13 2025Same-sex couples in Thailand can register their marriage from January 23
Food and drinkJanuary 13 2025Eating in Isaan (video)
thai tipsJanuary 13 2025Photography tips: How to take better beach photos in Thailand?