16 'Stay Alert' memes mocking Boris Johnson's new coronavirus messaging
11 May 2020, 13:39
Boris Johnson’s address to the nation on coronavirus
The "Stay Alert, Control The Virus, Save Lives" messaging has not gone down well.
The UK government's 'Stay Alert' slogan has become the latest coronavirus meme to help the nation laugh through the crises.
For those not in the know, last night (May 10) the UK prime minister, Boris Johnson, who only recently was hospitalised due to COVID-19, as part of his address to the nation announced the new slogan for England, laying out the UK government's new coronavirus messaging: "Stay Alert, Control The Virus, Save Lives". Which is, erm, about as clear as mud.
This was an update from the last slogan, which was: "Stay Home, Protect the NHS, Save Lives."
READ MORE: The best memes of 2020 so far
The advice has not gone down well with critics, nor most of the country it seems.
On social media, people are confused about what 'stay alert' means. How can you "alert" to an invisible virus? Others pointed out that the new slogan wasn't as clear and specific as the former "stay home" messaging, and therefore might lead to people breaking social distancing rules which are for the most part still in place.
READ MORE: Social distancing memes are getting us through the coronavirus pandemic
The TL;DR is that it's been a bit of a sh*t show. Now, people are using memes to express their frustration with the government. Honestly, we haven't laughed so hard since the lockdown began.
Don't understand the new rules? Thankfully, someone has translated for us.
Govt guidelines leaked. pic.twitter.com/0fXDcSIA5B
— Laurie Rose BSC (@Laurie_Rose) May 10, 2020
We're expecting a cease and desist from Nandos any second now.
are you ok with this @NandosUK pic.twitter.com/Ad2bjYjrLl
— Rhys James (@rhysjamesy) May 10, 2020
Pooja wouldn't stand for this shit.
England: Are we allowed to leave our houses?
— Zack (@Zack3O12) May 10, 2020
Boris: pic.twitter.com/e2s7jzAymL
Dula Peep said it best.
Ah, I see they’ve announced the New Rules for lockdown… pic.twitter.com/vTIZpG7K7k
— Alex Milsom (@alexmilsom) May 10, 2020
TOO VAGUE.
— Jamie (@justbalmy) May 10, 2020
Some are using the meme to show their support for the good sis Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister for Scotland.
As a frontline NHS doctor I plead with you, PLEASE: pic.twitter.com/t5ehRKd6Y1
— Julia Prague (@julia_prague) May 10, 2020
Double take...
STAY ALERT pic.twitter.com/HUqLKFEqaX
— Double Down News (@DoubleDownNews) May 10, 2020
Middle England found shaking.
— BATTLES (@B4TTL3S) May 10, 2020
It's unorthodox, but I like it.
— The News By Des'ree (@thenewsbydes) May 10, 2020
That's what I always say x
Fully expect the Government to come out with this next. pic.twitter.com/A4pmyO8tsC
— Phlegm Clandango (@Cain_Unable) May 10, 2020
Jaida Essence Hall, capturing the mood as usual.
— todd (@todd_j_cooper) May 10, 2020
Now, we're not saying this is tea...but we're not not saying it's tea.
Don't understand this anger!
— Gay, Autistic, Disabled And Proud #ExLabour♿🏳️🌈 (@criptheirvote) May 11, 2020
Surely you lot understand that you are worthless and your lives are meaningless?
That third yacht won't pay for itself.#BackToWork #COVIDIOTS #COVID19 #BorisHasFailedBritain #borisjohnsonspeech #Covid19UK pic.twitter.com/PF0P1sNooy
Global pandemic or not, you're still doing your chores before bedtime and that's that on that.
Good Government advice here:#StayAlert pic.twitter.com/iRp3iRtcPv
— Bennett Arron (@BennettArron) May 10, 2020
Scream.
— Dan Tappin (@oitappin) May 9, 2020
Dear Lord, what a sad little life, Boris.
weird comms choice for a pandemic but i like it pic.twitter.com/3oRwR5HYOJ
— Abby Tomlinson (@twcuddleston) May 9, 2020
Some absolute legend made a generator lmao
I made you a Government COVID Slogan generator pic.twitter.com/qfCDRrLfzu
— Olaf Falafel (@OFalafel) May 10, 2020
So...what were the new rules again?
