‘Shoulders, knees and toes to follow’: Britons react to Boris Johnson’s new coronavirus slogan ‘Hands, Face, Space’
‘Why do those who lead us think we only understand glib soundbites?’ asks one commentator
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The government’s new coronavirus slogan "Hands, Face, Space" has been compared to the popular children’s song "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" after the prime minister introduced it in a press briefing.
Boris Johnson announced on Friday he would delay lifting more lockdown restrictions as positive cases of Covid-19 rose across England. It comes after the health secretary announced new lockdown guidance in northern England on Thursday night just hours before the rules came into effect.
The new mantra of “hands, face, space” is to remind people to wash their hands, cover their faces and maintain space betwen themselves and others. But some are criticising the prime minister for his over-dependence on “punchy” slogans.
“Wasn't clever the first time and we are done with your reliance on slogans,” opined one person on Twitter.
“Why do those who lead us think we only understand glib soundbites?” wondered another.
Others compared it to rhymes such as "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" and "Hokey Cokey", suggesting the slogan was childish.
“Hands Face Space easy for you to say Boris. more like Heads, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes,” one person commented.
“The UK populace are not in kindergarten,” said another.
Mr Johnson said the idea was to keep advice “as simple as we possibly can” after the government was accused of creating confusion around the new rules issued late on Thursday for northern England.
“Wash your hands, cover your face in the settings that we had mentioned and keep your distance from other people where you don’t know them, you’re coming into contact with them for the first time, and of course get a test and self-isolate if you have symptoms,” he told the press conference.
He recalled his previous warning that the easing of lockdown restrictions was dependent on how the country progresses in its fight against coronavirus and that he would not hesitate to reverse plans.
“Our assessment is that we should squeeze that brake pedal in order to keep the virus under control,” said Mr Johnson.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments