There's less traffic noise, no fireworks shows, no roaring crowds at sporting events in Vancouver these days thanks to the COVID-19 crisis. But every night there's a new tradition that's making soundwaves through the city.
At 7 p.m. Vancouver residents are stepping outside - on their own balconies, patios, roofs, or sidewalks - to erupt in cheers and applause to salute the city's hard-working health care workers on the frontlines.
#WestEnd 7pm cheer for our healthcare workers. Thank you pic.twitter.com/hScq4GGUsG
— malcolm bromley (@vanparkGM) March 22, 2020
More public applause in support of our health care workers in Vancouver’s #WestEnd . 7pm PST people started clapping, banging pots and making noise to show appreciation. #Lovemycommunity #TogetherAtHome #HealthcareHeroes pic.twitter.com/SYkHtGp0st
— Melanie Nagy (@MelanieNagyCTV) March 22, 2020
West End makin’ some noise #vancouver #westend #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/KSffYdsKhZ
— Pete Edwards (@pete_gas) March 22, 2020
The word has been spreading on social media that the applause is for doctors, nurses, and other first responders and hospital personnel who are amidst this unprecedented health care crisis here in Vancouver - and around the world.
The hashtag #clapfordoctors on Twitter and Instagram shows that this is happening around the world at designated times.
In Vancouver, the new nightly ritual has been happening in the West End, though there have been rallying calls on community Facebook groups for a similar action to happen in communities across the lower mainland.
To some, it's a cheer of "mutual support" for neighbours in isolation.
From my balcony: #westend #vancouverbc comes alive with cheers of mutual support from neighbours during #COVID19 self-quarantine pic.twitter.com/sMmNoskI2h
— Matthew J Bordewick (@mbordewick) March 22, 2020
So if you hear some cheers, shouts, and pots and pans being banged this and any upcoming evening, step out and join in. It's a great way to say thank you, to say we're in this together, without leaving our homes.
And a reminder to make sure that you aren't gathered closely in a group of people who don't share your home with you. Practice safe social distancing, wash those hands, and take good care.
