By Tonight’s Clap for Carers could be the last
It has been announced that tonight’s Clap for Carers could be the last, after the woman who founded the national event says she will no longer take part.
Tonight will mark the 10th week that it has taken place.
Every Thursday at 8pm, throughout the peak of the coronavirus crisis, millions of Britons have lined the thresholds of their properties to take part in a collective demonstration of support for front line workers and care staff.
But, the ritual has been criticised by some for becoming “politicised”.
Some, including NHS staff, have also suggested that some people who take part in the clap then wilfully ignore the plea to stay at home in an effort to ease the strain on the healthcare system.
Founder Annemarie Plas has said she will no longer continue to take part in the event. She added:
“To have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak.
“Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised.
“I think the narrative is starting to change and I don’t want the clap to be negative.”
“For everybody who wants to continue I think they should, but for me I think it’s good to see how we can see that positivity delivered to the next level, which can be an annual moment and also to embrace the community still at 8pm.”
NHS doctor, Meenal Viz, tweeted:
“As a doctor, I’ve appreciated your support during Clap for Carers.
“But instead of clapping tonight at 8pm, I’ll observe silence in remembrance of my 237 colleagues who have died during the pandemic.”
What do you think? Should tonight’s Clap for Carers be the last?
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