London 2012 Olympics was a historic moment for our capital.
Workers behind the scene deserve championing, and now this same resolve is needed again. But this time, while still historic, it’s a desperately sad worldwide situation. Healthcare workers, of course, require all the help they can get. (Featured image: Number 10, Flickr)
London has called upon the 2012 Olympics volunteers once again, after London Mayor Sadiq Khan put out a call to help medics on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Olympic volunteers will work at the Docklands ExCel Centre, which is being used as a temporary hospital. Volunteers will help check-in medics, give directions and guidance, distribute uniforms and assist NHS induction staff.
Last week, a volunteer scheme was set-up for members of the public to offer their help through the Coronavirus pandemic. The scheme received an overwhelming response, smashing its target of 250,000 in under 24 hours. Some 750,000 volunteers have since joined.
Additionally, the Olympic volunteers will add to this impressive tally. Sadiq Khan said: “This army of volunteers have long played a key role supporting events and communities right across the capital, and now they will be welcoming our amazing NHS staff ahead of them starting their crucial work at this vital new hospital.”
500 extra beds are available at this temporary hospital, which formed in the space of a week, and will provide an extra 500 beds. This number could rise to 4,000 depending on the severity of the situation. Volunteers will not come into contact with patients requiring care, but all who sign up must be healthy will no symptoms of COVID-19.