I am aware that during the last couple of weeks, I have been using my blog to criticise the bad side of human behaviour, during this worldwide pandemic.

It should not be forgotten that there is another group of people, whose actions are of far greater importance than that of the hoarders and profiteers.

I am referring to the individuals who continue to turn up to their places of work, throughout the crisis. Those whose commitment to their profession, is preventing this country from shutting down and collapsing beyond repair.

Health Care Workers
Consultants, doctors, nurses, health care assistants – to name just four of the job roles, who are keeping Britain ticking.

These people are working on the frontline, selflessly putting their own health and that of their families at risk, every day they show up for work.

For many of these heroes, the hours are long and the work physically and mentally shattering.

The health care workers are the people who will do everything and anything in their power to make us better and prevent us from dying.

These special individuals deserve the highest praise and gratitude that it is possible to give.

Brave soldiers fought for their country and humanity during the two world wars. Today, a new type of soldier is fighting for us – one which wears scrubs and gloves as part of their uniform.

Non-Frontline Staff
There are tens of thousands of people, still turning up to work. People that have no choice but to continue doing so, because everything would come to an immediate halt without them.

The non-clinical staff in hospitals. Porters, cleaners, kitchen and office workers. There will be many more.

Then you have council employees, healthcare visitors, GP surgery staff, the police and fire department – the list goes on…

For many of these people, the nature of their jobs make it impossible to take time off or to work from home.

Despite not necessarily coming face-to-face with the public, these hardy souls are still putting themselves at risk, whenever they leave their homes.

No amount of applause is enough for these priceless people.

Retail Staff
Along with our health, there are two more things which are essential to our survival – food and drink.

We’ve all seen the empty shelves in supermarkets and the resulting chaos caused.

Who restocks the products we all so desperately need? Who assists us with purchasing the items?

Can you remember the person sat behind the till in Asda, who sold you that microwave curry you ate last night? If you had your shopping delivered to your own home, I bet the delivery driver was helpful – ours was.

Retail staff. Especially those in supermarkets. Whether they are based on the shop floor, in a warehouse, or even a home delivery lorry – we couldn’t cope without them.

Three cheers for these heroes. In fact, make it four.

Everyone Else
Well done to everyone fighting this pandemic. You should all be proud.

Even if you are not in a job which is directly helping people, we can ALL do our bit to fight coronavirus.

If we can all work together, are kind and considerate of each other, we’ll get through this.

If our parents, grandparents and great grandparents managed to unite as a nation and beat the Nazis, I am sure we can see off COVID-19.

Finally…

… to everyone working incredibly hard for us all.

This is totally insane!

After how many miles do you admit defeat, turn around and go home?

Spotted on Twitter – originally uploaded by @lopp

Some more material from my sister, who is currently in Spain on lockdown…

A childrens’ play area. Taped off by the authorities.

Finally, a lovely and touching sight – also, a reminder that there is still some humanity left in the world and not everybody is a greedy, soap-grabbing meanie.

This video (shot by my sister) was recorded last night at around 8pm. Every evening, the local residents go to their balconies to applaud the doctors and nurses.