Coronavirus: People gathering on Westminster Bridge to Clap for Carers will be told to leave, police say after criticism

Scotland Yard says public should not be gathering at landmarks as officers told to 'maintain an appropriate social distance at all times'

Members of the public who head to Westminster Bridge and other landmarks for the weekly Clap for Carers tribute will be told to go home, police have said.

Scotland Yard said it would be telling its own officers to “to maintain an appropriate social distance at all times” following criticism of scenes in London two weeks ago.

Dame Cressida Dick was filmed leading the applause on a crowded Westminster Bridge, which was jammed with police vehicles, officers and members of the public.

Doctors were among those expressing confusion and anger at the “lack of social distancing”, as police were handing out thousands of fines for lockdown violations.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, who is leading the Metropolitan Police’s response to the pandemic, said its officers would join the Clap for Carers again on Thursday.

“We have repeatedly reminded colleagues that they must maintain an appropriate social distance at all times where operationally possible,” he added.

“As this event has gained prominence it is understandable that major landmarks, including Westminster Bridge in central London, have become focal points for those who wish to applaud.

“However, it is not acceptable for people to disregard the safety of themselves and others. Officers will be present tonight to engage, explain and encourage them to observe social distancing rules.

“Members of the public who are not away from their homes for one of the reasons outlined in the government's emergency legislation should expect to be asked to return home.”

Screengrab from video posted to Twitter of crowds of people taking part in the ‘Clap for Carers’ on Westminster Bridge, 16 April 2020 (Damir Rafi/Twitter)

Westminster Bridge sits near St Thomas’ Hospital, where Boris Johnson was recently treated after contracting coronavirus.

Footage from 16 April showed emergency services vehicles lined up along the bridge heard sounding their sirens as police officers and members of the public crowded the pavement to applaud at 8pm.

Dr Damir Rafi, who took the video, said: “I’m a doctor working at the hospital that’s right there. And yes, I was also somewhat perplexed by the lack of social distancing.”

Similar scenes were also seen in Bristol, where members of the public gathered close together outside Bristol Royal Infirmary.

Mr Twist said officers would hand out fines and make arrests “as a last resort” after encouraging people to follow the laws voluntarily.

The new Health Protection Regulations make it illegal to gather in public in groups of more than two, if people are not from the same household or working.

It is also illegal to leave home or remain outside “without reasonable excuse”, which can include shopping, exercising, going to work or caring for vulnerable people.

Government guidance says that when outside the home, people should maintain a two metre distance from others.