Wimbledon crowds give health care workers, vaccine developers standing ovation

Crowds at Wimbledon’s Centre Court on Monday gave health care workers and vaccine developers a standing ovation for more than a minute.

“A special moment as we say thank you to those who have played such an important role in the response to COVID-19,” Wimbledon tweeted with the video of the standing ovation.

An opening day on Centre Court with a difference…

A special moment as we say thank you to those who have played such an important role in the response to COVID-19#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/16dW1kQ2nr

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2021

The court in London invited those from the National Health Service and other leaders during the COVID-19 pandemic to sit in the royal box, BuzzFeed News reported.

Among the special guests was Dame Sarah Gilbert, who was in charge of the team that created the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Wimbledon was canceled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic but has been able to resume due to vaccinations.

A negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination is required to watch the games in person, but masks are not needed in the audience.

“Thank you Dame Sarah Gilbert and the incredible team that developed the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine,” the Twitter account for Prince William and Kate Middleton said with the video of the moment.

Thank you Dame Sarah Gilbert and the incredible team that developed the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID vaccine https://t.co/2TAyzBKFCa

— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) June 28, 2021

Health care workers have been recognized at sporting events around the world since games have been able to resume after most sporting events were put on pause in 2020.