People across UK clap for carers for what could be the last time
People across the UK have come out to their balconies, windows and front doors to clap for carers – for what could be the last time.
This week is the tenth time the clap has taken place, and the founder says she will not continue after this as she has achieved what she set out to.
Annemarie Plas, says tonight will be her last clap, as she believes it is time to find other ways to help society.
Last week, she said the event had become too heavily politicised, saying that this week feels like a good time to draw it to a close.
The gesture was started as a way to show gratitude and appreciation to NHS and care staff who have been working on the frontline to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
But it’s not been without controversy, as some observers have routinely flouted social distancing rules to take to Westminster Bridge every Thursday, while others have dubbed the gesture as tokenistic and patronising, in lieu of the Government offering said workers more PPE and pay rises.
Ms Plas told Good Morning Britain today that she didn’t want to discourage others from clapping, should they want to.
She said the reaction to the weekly clap had ‘been really overwhelming to see’ and ‘for everybody who wants to continue, I think they should.’
Here’s how the clap looked tonight…
It comes after the prime minister announced small social gatherings will be permitted from Monday.
Boris Johnson said groups of up to six people from outside one household can meet in private gardens, ‘provided those from different households continue strictly to stick to social distancing rules’ by staying two metres apart.
He said groups can meet on private and public land for events such as barbecues, but they would not be allowed to stay overnight, or go indoors other than to gain access to a garden, he said.
Previously, people have only been able to meet with one other person outside their household, in public spaces such as parks, while obeying social-distancing rules.
But Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, told anyone planning such gatherings it was ‘absolutely critical’ to maintain strong hygiene standards, including washing hands and keeping to social distancing rules.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing, he said: ‘If you were to do something like a barbecue, remember that passing things from one person to another, if you haven’t washed your hands you can transmit the virus that way.’
Annemarie Plas, says tonight will be her last clap, as she believes it is time to find other ways to help society.
Last week, she said the event had become too heavily politicised, saying that this week feels like a good time to draw it to a close.
The gesture was started as a way to show gratitude and appreciation to NHS and care staff who have been working on the frontline to help tackle the coronavirus pandemic.
But it’s not been without controversy, as some observers have routinely flouted social distancing rules to take to Westminster Bridge every Thursday, while others have dubbed the gesture as tokenistic and patronising, in lieu of the Government offering said workers more PPE and pay rises.
Ms Plas told Good Morning Britain today that she didn’t want to discourage others from clapping, should they want to.
She said the reaction to the weekly clap had ‘been really overwhelming to see’ and ‘for everybody who wants to continue, I think they should.’
Here’s how the clap looked tonight…
It comes after the prime minister announced small social gatherings will be permitted from Monday.
Boris Johnson said groups of up to six people from outside one household can meet in private gardens, ‘provided those from different households continue strictly to stick to social distancing rules’ by staying two metres apart.
He said groups can meet on private and public land for events such as barbecues, but they would not be allowed to stay overnight, or go indoors other than to gain access to a garden, he said.
Previously, people have only been able to meet with one other person outside their household, in public spaces such as parks, while obeying social-distancing rules.
But Professor Chris Whitty, chief medical officer for England, told anyone planning such gatherings it was ‘absolutely critical’ to maintain strong hygiene standards, including washing hands and keeping to social distancing rules.
Speaking at the daily Downing Street press briefing, he said: ‘If you were to do something like a barbecue, remember that passing things from one person to another, if you haven’t washed your hands you can transmit the virus that way.’