CLAPPED OFF
WESTMINSTER Bridge was quiet tonight for the Clap for Carers - after police warned Londoners who ignore lockdown rules they'd be sent home.
The iconic bridge has been mobbed during the weekly round of applause for our frontline heroes, despite the Government's advice on social distancing.
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And this week, Metropolitan Police officers warned the public anyone gathering would be told to go home - even though their chief Cressida Dick joined huge crowds a fortnight ago.
For tonight's Clap for Carers applause, the bridge was much quieter, with visitors standing six feet away from one another.
Every Thursday at 8pm since Britain was put into lockdown the nation has clapped out of windows and at their front doors to thank frontline workers risking their lives to tackle coronavirus.
Videos of large gatherings of people doing Clap for Carers on Westminster Bridge have previously circulated online, with Brits particularly criticising officers for joining in a fortnight ago.
However, the scenes were repeated again last week when police joined the crowds, but Ms Dick chose not to attend.
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Today, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said officers would continue to join the 8pm tribute, but that the public would be sent away if they do not have a reasonable excuse for being there.
He said: “We have repeatedly reminded colleagues that they must maintain an appropriate social distance at all times where operationally possible. But to do this they also need the support and assistance of the public.
“As this event has gained prominence it is understandable that major landmarks, including Westminster Bridge in central London, have become focal points for those who wish to applaud.
“Members of the public who are not away from their homes for one of the reasons outlined in the Government’s emergency legislation should expect to be asked to return home.
“In keeping with our approach to these rules throughout the lockdown, officers will only enforce this legislation as a last resort.”
Members of the public who are not away from their homes for one of the reasons outlined in the Government’s emergency legislation should expect to be asked to return home.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist
A fortnight ago, hundreds flocked to Westminster Bridge to show their support for frontline workers working through the pandemic, lining the bridge in dense crowds.
Dozens of police, including Ms Dick, were seen joining in with the clap of appreciation, as critics on Twitter blasted the Met chief as the “worst commissioner of all time”.
One wrote: “Beyond a joke. But that’s Cressida Dick for you.”
A stunned doctor at St Thomas’ Hospital filmed the scene and wrote: “I’m a doctor working at the hospital that’s right there. And yes, I was also somewhat perplexed by the lack of social distancing.”
It comes as more than 100 healthcare workers have now died in the UK since the coronavirus outbreak began.
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On Monday, Laura Tanner, 51, who worked for the NHS, died in her heartbroken husband’s arms after getting coronavirus.
The NHS administrator collapsed after her breathing “got shallower and shallower” while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
According to the latest figures from the Department of Health, 26,097 people have died from coronavirus in the UK.
