Coronavirus: Lewis Hamilton hits out at ‘irresponsible and selfish’ people ignoring health advice and going out

Lewis Hamilton has hit out at the “totally irresponsible and selfish” actions of individuals who are ignoring health advice over coronavirus and still going out to clubs, bars and large social gatherings.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was forced on Friday to close all pubs, bars, restaurants and gyms in an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19, with large numbers of the public ignoring advice not to attend such venues and avoid mass gatherings where the risk of spreading coronavirus was significantly higher than by avoiding such events.

The threat of a complete lockdown in the UK continues to grow the more that people remain out in public continuing with their normal lives, and six-time Formula One world champion elected to express his thoughts on his Instagram page by condemning those who are putting others at risk.

The 35-year-old placed himself in self-isolation after attending an event in London earlier this month with actor Idris Elba and Sophie Gregoire Trudeau – wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – who have both tested positive for coronavirus.

“I’m so sad to hear about the amount of deaths happening around the world,” Hamilton said. “I know most of us are limited with the knowledge of why and how this has happened.

“There is nothing we can do about it either way except try to isolate ourselves, stop ourselves from catching it and spreading it.

“There are people out there still going to clubs and bars and large gatherings which I personally feel is totally irresponsible and selfish.

“I’m praying for my family’s safety each day but I’m also praying for you out there.

“I’m praying for those working at the local stores, deliveries, doctors and nurses who put their own health at risk to help others and keep the countries running. These are the hero’s (sic). Please stay safe people.”

The current Mercedes F1 driver added a second post to call on everyone to assess their position and see how they can do more to help at a time of crisis, which could be as little as re-evaluating what they contain in their diet in order to be as healthy as possible.

He said: “If you can, try and take this time to assess your life and situation and how you might want to change things for the better moving forwards.

“Hopefully through this people will realise even more how health is priceless, how you treat yourself and what you put in your body is so important and also hygiene.

“We take this life for granted. I hope we don’t (stop) moving forwards.”

Hamilton is currently awaiting news on the 2020 F1 season, with the first seven races of the campaign already postponed or cancelled and more likely to follow with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix the latest at risk.