'Stay at home tonight': Leeds hospitals issue important update ahead of Clap for Carers

A statement on the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We really appreciate the wonderful support we receive at 8pm every Thursday, but please stay at home to clap for our fantastic teams tonight."

But footage of people congregating close together - on Westminster Bridge in London and outside Leeds General Infirmary - has drawn a backlash in recent weeks.

Some questioned why hospital and emergency services staff were stood close together, although it is accepted that it is not realistic for many of them to practice social distancing during the course of their work.

The statement from the Trust added: "We want to keep everyone safe, especially the patients we are caring for in our hospitals, so we kindly ask that you do not visit our hospital sites to take part in Clap for Carers.

"Wherever you are, please remember to keep at least two metres apart from other people - we have asked our staff to make sure they do this too.

"Thank you to everyone who shows their appreciation for those working in the NHS and other frontline services through Clap for Carers – please don’t forget that you can help the NHS and save lives by staying at home."

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