Clapping for the frontline NHS staff fighting COVID-19 has quickly become an established part of our Thursday evenings since the onset of the pandemic. But this week saw healthcare workers turn the tables by applauding those in the construction industry who are delivering vital new infrastructure for the cause.
Millions of people across the country have been clapping for carers each Thursday at 8pm in recognition of those working tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 crisis to help save lives and keep people safe. The clap for carers event started on March 26th as a way for us all to join together and show doctors, nurses, carers and key workers from our living rooms, doorsteps, windows and balconies our appreciation for their hard work and dedication in fighting COVID-19.
The NHS and care community is under immense pressure to deliver patient care and support and contribute to the fight against COVID-19 in extremely challenging circumstances. They are all making a huge difference to all our lives in these challenging times. The clap for our carers campaign publicly recognises their efforts has now become a weekly tradition where people not only clap hands for care workers, but bang pots and pans for the brave.
The clap has provided a much need morale boost for communities allowing neighbours to unite, wave and smile at one another at a time when social distancing measures are in place. Thousands have been joining in the clap across the UK including celebrities and the Royal Family.
In Scotland this week, the tables were turned and NHS staff formed a guard of honour and ‘clapped for construction’ to recognise the efforts of workers who have transformed the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow into a 300 bed temporary hospital designed to help treat COVID-19 patients.
Construction workers completed work on the new NHS Louise Jordan hospital on April 19th and it is now ready to receive patients. It joins several other temporary hospitals that have been set up across the UK to help treat patients during the COVID-19 crisis. Construction workers from Balfour Beatty, Kier, Robertson and Graham were the principal contractors overseeing the work on behalf of the Scottish government.
It’s been a tough time for the construction industry and COVID-19 continues to have a dramatic impact across the industry. The ‘clap for construction’ is welcome recognition for those who have been working tirelessly and in record breaking time to transform buildings into hospitals and support the national effort to fight COVID-19. Their efforts are nothing short of exceptional and at Copper we are proud to join the applause for our colleagues in the sector.
