Frontline virus workers given flyover tribute by Blue Angels and Thunderbirds – but thousands ignore distancing to watch

THUNDERBIRDS and Blue Angels honored essential workers with a flyover Tuesday but thousands of people flouting social distancing laws to watch them soar.

The Air Force and Navy demonstration squadrons flew over several cities including NYC and New Jersey in a nationwide tribute to the medics on the frontline of the COVID-19 crisis.

But the dazzling display resulted in many New Yorkers defying Governor Cuomo’s PAUSE measures to stay at least six feet apart in public spaces and to avoid large gatherings.

Excited crowds pushed against each other as everyone tried to capture the perfect shot of the the 12-jet precision-flying crew with their smartphones.

Spectators who went to the Jacob Javits Center to view the show at a safe distance from others commented on the crowds ignoring the rules.

One PIX11 reporter on the scene tweeted: “Happy to be at the #JacobJavitsCenter for the #USNavyBlueAngels and #USAirForceThunderbirds flyover. But social distancing was impossible.”

Another witness remarked that there were more people out “than I’ve seen out on the promenade in weeks to watch the flyover.”

“Did we need this now? Really?” they added, as COVID cases on American soil top one million on April 28.

Despite the medical advice to steer clear of big gatherings and the strain on NYC hospitals, people largely ignored the advice repeatedly given by doctors, experts, the Feds, and state officials.

The Pentagon organized the 40-minute, city flyover in several states, according to a memo obtained by the Washington Post.

“Operation American Strong” saw squadrons flying together over New York, Washington, Baltimore, Newark, Trenton, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Austin.

The document explained that it was “one way to acknowledge those who are pitching in” – but they didn’t anticipate the large crowds in the Big Apple today.

Hundreds of people jostled in front of waterfront parks and piers around the city to catch a glimpse of the war birds.

But many defied safety guidelines, according to multiple reports and videos on social media.

Some locals told the New York Post that adhering to Cuomo’s social distancing guidelines was impossible amid the jostling crowds today.

“We tried, but the piers are 10-feet wide, same with the sidewalks,” a 34-year-old mom told the Post.

“When these many people come at once there really isn’t much you can do.”

Impressive footage showed the aircrafts flying in Delta formation over Downtown Brooklyn as people rushed to local beauty spots this afternoon.

The Blue Angels were established in 1946 while The Thunderbirds were founded in 1953 following WWII.