THE enormity of the coronavirus pandemic really hit home this week as The Queen gave a rare televised address to the nation.

For only the fifth time in her reign, Queen Elizabeth spoke directly to the public on the BBC, urging self-discipline and resolve amongst residents of Britain.

She ended the speech saying the UK “will succeed” in its fight against the virus in a rallying message to the nation.

Government was also rocked when Prime Minister Boris Johnson was taken into intensive care after being diagnosed with the virus.

Mr Johnson, who is said to be in good spirits and not on a ventilator, had been self-isolating in Downing Street before he was transfered to St Thomas’ Hospital in London on the advice of doctors.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab stepped up to lead the Government’s efforts, part of which saw London’s new Nightingale Hospital receive its first patients this week.

We also began hearing some of the tragic human stories behind the outbreak as tributes were paid to Point Clear resident Dean Greenaway, who died just a day after being diagnosed with the virus.

But Colchester has been fighting back - our troops are being deployed to help the region’s ambulance service and community spirited residents like Stuart McCain are doing their bit to help our emergency services.