Clap for Carers returned to the UK on Thursday evening under the guise of Clap for Heroes but with the same purpose: to show appreciation for those fighting the pandemic.
The new name encompasses a broader range of workers than those in the care sector only, but this was not reflected in a rather tepid turnout for the resurrected nightly round of applause at 8pm each night.
As this picture shows, apart from one respectful feline, even 10 Downing Street failed to recognise the occasion.
One reason is that nurses have been among those to criticise the revival.
There is a widespread feeling that it is a hollow gesture and that a far better way of according respect to the front line would be for people to wear masks around others and follow Covid restrictions.
Please don’t clap us. Just wear a mask, wash your hands and respect lockdown 🙏 pic.twitter.com/ioKhNKljFZ
— Rachel Clarke (@doctor_oxford) January 6, 2021
Some nurses also objected to the new name. Kirstie Hill told Nursing Times that hero was a dangerous term because it "implied invincibility".
“We are not invincible and when we do say we’re struggling, we’re not believed,” Ms Hill said.
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer was among those who took part but tweeted that clapping wasn’t enough.
Once again we took to our doorsteps to #ClapForOurCarers. But clapping isn't enough. They need to be paid properly and given the respect they deserve.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) January 7, 2021
The vaccine brings us hope, and we thank the NHS workers, army, volunteers and all those supporting the roll out. #ClapForHeroes
The damp squib will disappoint the organiser of Clap for Carers, Annemarie Plas.
Ms Plas had hoped the initiative would “lift the spirit of all of us” including “all who are pushing through this difficult time”.
Millions of people across the UK took part in Clap for Carers, which started days after the UK entered lockdown in March 2020.
People stood outside their homes banging pots and pans while some landmarks were lit up in blue, the colour of the National Health Service.
Members of the royal family and other prominent figures took part, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson pictured clapping outside 10 Downing Street, where he was in isolation after contracting the virus.
To all the doctors, nurses, carers, GPs, pharmacists, volunteers and other NHS staff working tirelessly to help those affected by #COVID19: thank you.#ClapForOurCarers #ClapForNHS pic.twitter.com/XnaUPJyDoX
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) March 26, 2020
The initiative concluded after 10 weeks over concerns that it was becoming politicised.
Some suggested the NHS would better benefit from increased funding rather than applause.
NHS Million, an awareness movement comprising health workers, said clapping was unnecessary.
NHS staff need your support now more than ever. But since the last #clapforheroes over 650 frontline healthcare workers have died. This time, instead of clapping for NHS staff will you maybe just stay at home for them instead? 🙏🏻
— NHS Million 💙 (@NHSMillion) January 7, 2021
Stay at home 🏠
Protect the NHS 🏥
Save lives 💙
According to the latest data, there are 30,451 coronavirus patients in hospital, the highest number since the pandemic began.
Mr Johnson said England’s lockdown was imposed because the NHS was at risk of becoming overwhelmed within three weeks.
Here is an explanation of the current restrictions.
___________________________________________________