Philip Lowry backing message to stick together and stay apart in efforts to ease strain on healthcare workers

A ‘clap for carers’ initiative attracted widespread backing across the United Kingdom on Thursday night as the public applauded in mass unison the efforts of our healthcare professionals treating those affected by Covid-19.

Lowry, a pharmacist at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital, is full of pride in the professionalism on display across the frontline and is urging the general public to best serve his friends and colleagues by following the Government guidelines.

A lockdown has significantly restricted movement across the past week in an attempt to ‘flatten the curve’ and reduce the spread of infection.

However, it appears too many still opt to ignore the importance of a strict adherence to social distancing and other measures emphasised to aid efforts.

“We have seen over the past week or so how everything is moving rapidly and the introduction of lockdown measures only goes to emphasise the importance of staying to the guidelines,” said Lowry. “We need to adopt a selfless attitude and really remember it is about everyone putting others before individuals.

“Everyone is missing football, for example, but it will always be there for us to return to down the line.

“The risks, especially to the vulnerable within our communities, are clear.

“We all appreciate it is a difficult and worrying time, not just in terms of the health concerns but also people with financial fears.

“But now is the time to stick together and do what is asked as a community overall.

“Certainly, I am proud of the work within the healthcare field but know the feeling overall is how we all got into this world to help people and we are all professionals just doing our jobs.

“But everyone can take steps to help reduce the strain on our emergency services and health workers.”