"Westminster Bridge" began trending on Friday as a video emerged on Twitter showing a crowd of people and emergency service members clapping in a large group for Britain's care workers, breaching social distancing regulations.
The video, uploaded by Doctor Damir Rafi, shows members of the public gathered on London’s Westminster Bridge on Thursday, including young children and emergency vehicles with their sirens blazing, near St Thomas’ Hospital.
The scene from Westminster bridge #ClapForCarers pic.twitter.com/JpzM0YBjgH
— Damir Rafi (@d_rafi1) April 16, 2020
While the demonstration was intended to show appreciation for key workers combating the coronavirus outbreak, the people congregating together were ignoring expert warnings on social distancing
Social media users were quick to point out the irony and the carelessness of the participants.
— Have I Got News For You (@haveigotnews) April 17, 2020
Others expressed their frustration as the police taking part in the event.
— Jonathan (@ukJ0N) April 17, 2020
Some joked about filling up even larger venues such as Wembley Stadium.
— 🏳️🌈 Max 🏳️🌈 (@SpillerOfTea) April 17, 2020
Those participating were described as "terminally stupid".
— RD Hale🌹Open Selection NOW! (@SkyeCity_) April 17, 2020
The disproportionate responses by the police to different areas of London was also highlighted.
— 420bandobaby reply guy (@flocorf) April 16, 2020
The footage comes as the UK's national lockdown was extended by three weeks on Thursday. Ministers and government scientific advisers have generally praised the public for following the social distancing measures but the public has been seen defying the laws on a few occasions.
The Metropolitan Police said that it will be "reminding" its officers about the social distancing laws and London Mayor Sadiq Khan said that the police had questions to answer for it, Metro reports.
— Lauren Ronan (@laurenronanmd) March 17, 2020
The government has told the public to stay home with the exception of "essential travel" such as work, groceries, or for medical reasons.
Coronavirus continues to spread across the UK, reaching 103,093 confirmed cases on Friday with 13,729 deaths.
