A tearful NHS worker has begged people to stay at home, recalling the "devastating" scenes of the coronavirus ward she's been working on.
Southampton based Healthcare assistant Lucy Hutchins, 19, took to social media to speak frankly about the emotional toll working on the front-line was having, telling people that staying at home should be considered a "privilege".
Advert
Sharing a picture of her tear-stained face, looking weary after a day on the wards, she said: "I wish I could stay home with my family, watch movies, eat food etc but I can't because I spend 8-13 hours a day working for the NHS...
"Staying home is a privilege and it is not impossible... for people saying that what Boris [Johnson] has done is pathetic...he's trying to protect you all as well as keeping you out of the hospital with other COVID patients.
Advert
"You think "oh I won't get it I'll be fine" but it's not fine, it's killing hundreds of people everyday and beds are quickly being taken in the COVID-19 wards."
She added: "This is real life and watching people in pain and suffer is devastating.
"Working on the COVID wards really opens your eyes to a whole different spectrum.
"It's mentally and physically draining, this is real this is not a joke, everyone needs to take what's being said seriously."
Advert
Recalling how she's coping working throughout the outbreak, Lucy admitted that she's had "happy days" and "sad days".
"I'm so lucky to have such an amazing and supportive group of staff at the NHS to help work through this and we will beat this virus!!," she concluded.
"The quicker you stay home the quicker you can leave!! Help the NHS!!".
Advert
Lucy is not the first NHS worker to plead with the British public to stay at home to avoid putting a strain on our healthcare system.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust also released a powerful video explaining just how vital doing so is when it comes to saving lives.
In the video, we see respiratory consultant Angela warn: "This is a crucial time. This is not a rehearsal. You will only have one chance at this. Stay at home."
Advert
Meanwhile, respiratory nurse Claire adds: "You can play your part to enable us to play ours. Stay at home."
Perhaps most movingly of all, respiratory nurse Anne-Marie said: "Thousands of people could die here. Help us reduce that number, play your part, save a life, stay at home."
It comes as the government announced last week that the British public should only be leaving the house for essential food supplies, exercising alone - or, with members of their household only - medical appointments or travelling to and from work if you're a key worker.
Boris Johnson emphasised that those who can be working at home, should be. Non-essential shops will now be closed, except food shops, pharmacies, petrol stations, vets, newsagents, banks and undertakers.
Plus, gatherings of more than two people - except for those in the same household - have also been banned.
Thank you, NHS. If these pleas don't encourage you to stay at home we don't know what will...
Featured Image Credit: CatersTopics: Coronavirus, Covid-19