SCHOOLS shut. Even during the war, they remained open.

But, then, the enemy was all too visible; today it attacks, unseen and from unexpected quarters.

We are all having to face up to an unprecedented health scare, which I believe will prove a game-changer.

How, exactly, I am not sure.

In the meantime, the Prime Minister and his team, scientists and doctors are doing their best to keep us informed.

The more we know, the more we can appreciate the decisions being taken, despite their serious impact.

New laws will be passed shortly that will give the Government powers not seen since the war.

Clearly, it’s hoped they will not be needed and our co-operation is being sought.

We have entered unchartered waters, which bring out the best and worst in us.

In regard to the former, local communities are already banding together to ensure the most vulnerable, the elderly, are catered for, while the latter sees the hording of loo rolls.

We have been assured there is plenty of food and loo rolls to go round and at last supermarkets are taking action to ensure the shelves are not emptied.

What is crucial is that the vast financial package that’s been promised must get to those who need support, and quickly.

The cost of all this is eye-watering, but it’s a cost that must be borne until life can return to normal.

Once that happens, I suspect we will review many aspects of our lives and the way we live them, but that’s for the future.

On a separate note, I hope this bi-partisan approach by all Parties holds good.

It’s together that we will beat this virus, and beat it we will.