Basingstoke residents have spoke out in support of a stressed NHS nurse who called a group of drinkers 'idiots' for flouting the government's instructions.

Louise Ann has been dubbed a 'hero' for approaching the group of six and calling the police on Thursday after the group of six appeared to ignored social distancing advice.

The friends were sitting in a field behind her house in Basingstoke drinking and smoking when the fed up nurse called the police.

Read more: Moment frustrated nurse approaches group flouting rules 

Her husband Matthew posted: "Louise is my wife and I am very proud of her for standing up to these silly lads who think it’s all right to be doing what there doing.

"Covid-19 is dangerous and my wife could quite easily get it as she works in the NHS, the last thing she wants to do is bring it back from work to us and kids. People have a responsibility to do what the government says. #stayathome #savelives."

Hundreds of people shared messages in support of Louise, who works on the frontline of the Covid-19 crisis at Basingstoke hospital.

Andy Silver said:  "Give that woman a medal."

While Becky Astley wrote: "Absolutely disgusting, my husband has lost his job, people are dying and they are flouting the rules because they want to sit in the sun and drink beer."

And Sue Nix added: "Well done, you should be so proud to stand up to these idiots who should hang their heads in shame."

The viral video has been picked up by the national press and shared 16,000 times across Facebook.

Carol Coomber simply responded: "Well said. They are a disgrace. What is wrong with people?

"I think the only way will understand is when they lose someone close to them to this awful virus or if you physically take them to the hospital and show them what is going on."

While Paula Hetherington said: "Good on you Louise, I would have done the same makes me so cross people just so not see the real danger. Idiots! Thank you for all you do."

The death toll rose by 980 yesterday, making it the deadly day yet in the coronavirus pandemic.

Among the dead, are a number of medics who have caught the disease while on duty.

Louise expressed a concern that she could catch it at work and bring it back to her family.

Speaking in the video as she approached the apparent six rule-breakers, she said: "I have to go to work every day fearing I am going to be [a risk] to my family because of people like you! 

"You are absolute idiots."

Social distancing measures were introduced by the prime minister Boris Johnson last month to reduce the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

These guidelines are for everyone with all age-groups expected to reduce our contact with others outside our household.

Social distancing reduces transmission of the virus effectively and lessens the impact on already stretched healthcare services.

 

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