The varying responses to the coronavirus pandemic between Ireland and the UK has been fascinating to watch. Ireland acted with more stealth and urgency and seemed to take the virus more seriously. While there have been serious flaws in Ireland's response to Covid-19, As a result fewer Irish people per capita have contracted the disease and died from it. This Twitter thread analyses the difference in reactions from both countries in detail.
Every now and then, the mask slips a bit and it becomes clear that in the UK, the basic messaging about how to stop the spread of the disease simply hasn't hit home yet. One of those moments happened on Westminster Bridge in London last night. Across the UK, people were taking pause at 8pm to clap and salute the frontline staff fighting the disease. It was a worthy gesture on a beautiful evening, sure, but when scores of people assemble on Westminster Bridge to clap in unison, the worthy gesture becomes a public health concern. It was especially worrying to see so many members of the police force out and about, since they're key to the front line response.
Given the scenic and historic location, clips of last night's clapping have gone viral this morning, and attracted condemnation from many corners.
Incredible that all these people live on London Bridge 👏 https://t.co/PrJA1MZNhv
— Ste McGonnell (@SteGonnell) April 17, 2020
That clapping for NHS on London Bridge has actually got me so pissed off, how can you be out there showing your praise for the NHS whilst simultaneously putting greater pressure on them because you’re not following the social distancing rules? Stay at home man.
— ً (@sxlmss) April 17, 2020
I’m baffled. The authorities and the public came together to all group outside hospitals all over the UK and on city landmarks like London Bridge. It’s a fucking virus and they’ve all stood together clapping, this isn’t going to end with this contradictory mindset the UK has😂
— Charles Hague-Jones (@chaguejones) April 17, 2020
1. Westminster Bridge the other day, when people were respecting our NHS.
2. Westminster Bridge last night, when people were pretending to respect our NHS. pic.twitter.com/hmTJURZ2Ef— Damon (@damocrat) April 17, 2020
Doctors & nurses:
Please keep your distance
Public:
Meet on Westminster bridge for a big NHS claperoo
Doctors & nurses:
Please-
Public:
Rugby scrum for the NHS
Doctors & nurses:
No, I beg you
Public:
Show your appreciation for care workers by spitting in a strangers mouth— James Felton (@JimMFelton) April 17, 2020
This country is the world leader at empty gestures. Give the key workers proper protection and increase their pay! Nobody cares about the feds doing nee naw nee naw on Westminster Bridge. https://t.co/6zdGASnvxw
— 🍟🍔Roadman Dan🍔🍟 (@Roadmancode) April 16, 2020
Dr Damir Rafi filmed the video that went viral and spoke to the Metro about how stupid it was.
Though people may have wanted to go outside to show their support for healthcare workers, applauding them while being in a crowd is likely to have done more harm than good.
As a doctor, I’m seeing that things seem to be getting better regarding the state of the wards and number of admissions. It’s all due to social distancing. Even though it’s difficult for everyone, it’s working. I’m concerned that people may become more lax as time passes, and so would strongly encourage them to keep it up so that progress is maintained.’
Dr Rafi explained his feelings in more detail on social media.
In general, these are my views about all this...from a facebook post I wrote a week or so ago: pic.twitter.com/jtknOYqen1
— Damir Rafi (@d_rafi1) April 16, 2020
We're not sure exactly how to explain this gathering. Is media messaging not getting through? Are people simply ignoring the advice of health professionals and politicians? Or does the desire to be seen cheering and saluting the heroes of this pandemic actually overwhelm people's better judgement?
Unfortunately clips like this prove that this crisis won't be lifting in the UK any time soon .
