Emperor releases coronavirus statement as Austenasian officials and resident self-isolate

Three possible cases of COVID-19 coronavirus infections have been reported amongst Austenasia’s government and population.

On 13 March, Pope Queranus I – Pontifex Maximus and Governor of Iostan na Beithe and Glencoe, better known as Sebastian Linden – announced that he would be self-isolating due to “symptoms matching coronavirus”.

The same announcement was made on behalf of a resident of Palasia by Lord John Gordon, the town’s Representative, the following day.

Earlier today, Sir Hugh McFarlane – Governing Commissioner of New South Scotland – also made the same announcement.

In response to the suspected case in Palasia – the only suspected case reported so far on Austenasian territory – the Border Enforcement Agency has restricted travel over Palasia’s border with the United Kingdom to “essential” journeys.

Furthermore, Bregusland – which expanded from a Territory into a Crown Dependency last month with the annexation of a bordering house and its three residents – has also been placed on lockdown, with the border closed to all non-residents.

Emperor Jonathan I has made the following statement in response to the ongoing pandemic:

Our prayers and best wishes are with all those infected or otherwise adversely affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Despite the rapid spread of this disease, panic and overreactions will not help but if anything hinder attempts to deal with it. We therefore call for individuals to react calmly, sensibly, proportionately and responsibly. Unless you will be entering into self-isolation with nobody to buy goods on your behalf, there is no need to stockpile food, toiletries and cleaning products. A lack of goods in shops simply means that others will go without or have to make extra journeys; think about the needs of others, and be compassionate. Be sensible, also; self-isolate if you are displaying symptoms, and minimise unnecessary travel or gatherings in order to avoid exposing yourself to the virus. Finally, and most importantly and obviously, be hygienic; wash your hands regularly (see this webpage for further information), disinfect desks, tables and door handles, and keep tissues on your person so as to cough or sneeze into them rather than your hands. Follow the advice of whatever authorities are most familiar with the situation in your local area, and accept disruption and discomfort in order to protect the health of others. By the grace of God this disease does not seem to pose a great risk to Austenasia; let us not let it spread any further by our own stupidity or laziness. We are confident that in time the pandemic will come to an end, as have all pandemics in human history; let us pray that its end will come quickly, for the recovery of those infected, for the protection of those at risk, and for the strengthening of those working to combat the disease. May God bless and save you all.

ICJA
Chester, 16 March 2020

UPDATE 18 MARCH 12:05 – Sir Hugh McFarlane has announced that he and his immediate family have tested negative for the coronavirus.

Emperor graduates with Theology MA

His Imperial Majesty Emperor Jonathan I yesterday graduated from the University of Chester with a Masters degree in Theology.

Emperor Jonathan I with Princess Hannah

The award of his degree followed a year of study from 2018-19 in Chester, culminating in his authorship of a 20,000 word dissertation on the authorship of the Johannine books of the New Testament.

The graduation ceremony took place at Chester Cathedral, and was also attended by the Emperor’s fiancée Princess Hannah, Emperor Father Terry, Emperor Mother Margaret, and Crown Princess Caroline. The Emperor’s aunt, Princess Julie, joined the group afterwards for a celebratory meal.

New ministry established for “digital transformation”

A new Government Ministry established on Friday 28th February will “provide for the development of e-Governance” and work towards improving the online information sources for Austenasia.

The Ministry of Digital Transformation, set up by an Act of Parliament last Friday, will work towards fulfilling a pledge in the manifesto of recently elected Prime Minister Dionisiy I to develop Austenasia’s internet presence and to set up “e-Governance” portals such as online voting forms.

Prince Dionisiy himself has been appointed the first Minister of Digital Transformation, and as such will bear personal responsibility for its success.

Speaking exclusively to the Austenasian Times, Prince Dionisiy said that the new Ministry will “greatly improve our online capabilities.” He continued:

“…it shall work on the creation of a greatly needed e-Government portal, a better Archive for laws and some better information websites for Austenasia. The e-Government will enable us to give you all more power to interact with the government, to request access to records and to vote.”