Clap for Boris: Brits urged to applaud Prime Minister as he battles coronavirus

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson is now said to be in a "stable’ condition" and is not on a ventilator
REUTERS
David Child8 April 2020

Social media users have launched a campaign calling for Britons to "Clap for Boris" in a show of support for the Prime Minister as he battles a coronavirus infection.

Mr Johnson was admitted to St Thomas' Hospital in central London with "persistent symptoms" of Covid-19 on Sunday and was moved to intensive care on Monday evening after his symptoms worsened.

The Prime Minister is now said to be in a "stable’ condition" and is being given oxygen. He is not on a ventilator, according to his Downing Street office.

In response to the developments, Twitter users banded together on Tuesday to call for a round of applause for Mr Johnson at 8pm to mirror the way NHS workers battling Covid-19 are applauded each Thursday.

Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab is deputising for the Prime Minister while he remains unwell
PA

The hashtag #ClapforBoris started trending in the UK soon after, with some users calling on people to clap "whatever your political views are" and regardless of whether they "love him or hate him".

Others suggested it was time "time for the nation" to support Mr Johnson after he has "supported the nation in every way possible" amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Tonight I shall #ClapforBoris and for everyone facing this vicious virus - he is a symbol of them all," added another.

Not everyone was behind the idea, however, with many Twitter users saying they would not be applauding the Prime Minister.

Several people suggested to do so would detract from the "Clap for our Carers" campaign which has seen millions across the country take to their doorsteps and balconies to celebrate NHS workers on Thursday evenings in recent weeks.

"Don't hijack #ClapForTheNHS to #ClapForBoris," wrote one Twitter user. "The real daily heroes are NHS/Carers/Keyworkers etc not him."

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Another wrote: "I'll be at work when you all #ClapForBoris providing essential care and support for elderly vulnerable people.

"You clap if you want to, I'll be too busy providing personal care, with inadequate PPE."

The online debate came as Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove became the latest politician to self-isolate after a family member showed symptoms associated with Covid-19.

Mr Gove said he was not displaying any symptoms himself and was continuing to work from home.

Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary and First Secretary of State Dominic Raab continues to deputise for the Prime Minister and chaired the government's daily coronavirus meeting on Tuesday.

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