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Coronavirus: Westminster Bridge crowds flout social distancing again during Clap for Carers

Crowds on Westminster Bridge appeared to ignore social distancing guidance again during Thursday night’s ‘Clap for Carers’.

There was anger online after footage emerged of emergency services gathering alongside the public in central London, despite warnings from police over the same behaviour seven days ago.

The show of support for NHS staff and key workers – taking place every Thursday at 8pm – has provided a way for the public to back those on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis.

But criticism has again been directed at those who congregated at Westminster Bridge for the applause, a week after the Met admitted social distancing was ignored at the event.

LONDON,ENGLAND  - APRIL 23: Members of the public and Emergency Services gather on Westminster Bridge on April 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Following the success of  the "Clap for Our Carers" campaign, members of the public are being encouraged to applaud NHS staff and other key workers from their homes at 8pm every Thursday. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has infected over 2.5 million people across the world, claiming at least 18,738 lives in the U.K. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Criticism on social media has been directed at some people who did not observe social distancing during Thursday's clap for carers – though others at the event did. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

Though some members of the public can be seen keeping a safe distance, and emergency workers are limited with how they can practise it given their work, packed crowds can still be seen mingling and applauding.

A Met spokesperson said: “A small number of our officers were present as part of their local patrols.

“We continue to encourage people to adhere to social distancing guidance. Our officers will engage, explain, encourage and only enforce as a last resort.”

The government has advised to keep space between people from outside your own household and said the public should only leave home for essential reasons like exercise.

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That is designed to slow the spread of the virus and prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed with patients.

Social media users commented that it was ironic some people at the event were showing their support for workers but not following the rules which were implemented to help them.

Last week, the Met criticised those who failed to follow the government’s rules and said it regularly spoke to its officers about social distancing.

“Officers, along with other emergency service workers, came together last night on Westminster Bridge to celebrate the work of all key workers,” a spokesperson said on April 16.

LONDON,ENGLAND  - APRIL 23: Members of the Emergency Services and members of the public gather on the South Bank to join in on with the applause on Westminster Bridge on April 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. Following the success of  the "Clap for Our Carers" campaign, members of the public are being encouraged to applaud NHS staff and other key workers from their homes at 8pm every Thursday. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has infected over 2.5 million people across the world, claiming at least 18,738 lives in the U.K. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)
Crowds gather to clap for carers near Westminster Bridge. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images)

“A large number of members of the public also gathered to express their gratitude.

“While many people adhered to social distancing guidance, it appears that some did not.

“We regularly remind our officers of the importance of social distancing where practical, and will continue do so.”

There are now 138,078 confirmed cases of coronavirus cases in the UK, with 18,738 hospital deaths related to COVID-19.

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