In the aftermath of British PM Boris Johnson revealing that he has coronavirus, #PrayForBoris started to trend online, infuriating many who claim less high-profile figures such as NHS workers deserve just as much attention.
After Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, announced that he has coronavirus, the hashtag #PrayForBoris started trending on social media. This upset many people who believe that less famous individuals, like NHS workers, deserve just as much attention and support.
On Friday morning, Johnson shared a video where he explained that he had “developed mild symptoms” over the past day and tested positive for the virus. He is currently isolated at Downing Street but says he will continue to lead the UK government.
The news that the virus had affected such an important leader led many to use the hashtag #PrayForBoris on Twitter, sending messages of support and wishing him a quick recovery. However, this caused a lot of debate about whether it’s right to show so much sympathy for someone like the Prime Minister, who has quick access to testing. Many people pointed out that those working in the NHS are risking their lives daily and don’t have the same advantages.
Cool to know that BJ was tested for “mild symptoms” after one day, while my Mum and I are on day 15 of mild to moderate symptoms and won’t be tested ???????? love this government and all they have done for the NHS #prayforboris pic.twitter.com/c42eYhLfA9
— Danielle Howarth (@howarthdk) March 27, 2020
Some Twitter users said they couldn’t feel much sympathy for Johnson because of his government’s earlier plan, which suggested letting 60% of the UK population get infected with the virus. This strategy was quickly dropped.
People also criticized Tory voters who participated in the nationwide #ClapForCarers event, which honored NHS workers fighting the disease, especially since Conservative MPs had voted against giving nurses a pay raise just three years earlier.
Just minutes after Johnson announced his positive test, Health Secretary Matt Hancock shared that he had also been working from home for a few days because he had “mild symptoms” of the virus. He got tested on the advice of his doctors, and his result was positive, so he is now self-isolating until Thursday.
The latest numbers from the UK government show a sharp rise in coronavirus-related deaths, with 181 new deaths reported in just one day, bringing the total to 759 by Thursday evening. The UK’s Department of Health and Social Care reported that 113,777 people had been tested for the virus, with over 14,500 testing positive, as of 9 AM GMT on Friday.
