On Saturday, the Navy’s Blue Angels and the Air Force’s Thunderbirds will fly in formations over D.C. and Maryland to give a “thank you” to health-care workers in the form of impressive aerial acrobats and jet noise, the Navy announced on Thursday.

Starting at 11:30 a.m., the Fighting Falcon and Hornet fighter jets will blast across Baltimore skies, followed by an 11:45 a.m. flyover in Washington, which will last about 20 minutes, before they head to Atlanta. The formations “show appreciation to the thousands of doctors, nurses, first responders and essential workers out there serving on the frontline day-in and day-out,” said Brian Kesselring, commanding officer for the Blue Angels, in a statement.

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan echoed those sentiments in a press conference Wednesday, declaring May 2 “Healthcare Heroes Day” to show first responders and health-care workers “our appreciation and to honor them for their incredible service to our state.” He added that the Maryland State House, Camden Yards, and M&T Bank Stadium will be lit blue on Saturday night to coincide with the flyovers.

But the jets are also creating some controversy, as critics point to the growing and continued need among health-care workers for personal protective equipment, hazard pay, and testing for those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

D.C.-area nurses have raised concerns about fighting the pandemic on the front lines, and have advocated for more testing for asymptomatic healthcare workers who might have been exposed to the virus. Leaders with the District of Columbia Nurses Association told Washington City Paper that nurses have had to reuse personal protective equipment while working with COVID-19 patients. DCNA leadership also says that government officials have largely left nurses themselves out of discussions about the pandemic, per City Paper. Concerns became grief after DCNA lost one of its own members to the virus, veteran Howard Hospital nurse Noel Sinkiat.

Some see the flyovers as moments of togetherness and simply appreciate any boost in morale. “It’s really nice to still have stuff to look forward to like this,” a recently unemployed Philly resident told the Inquirer after a flyover on Tuesday. “It’s really nice to see them right now, especially together.”

“Thanks for the boost!” wrote a doctor in Philly.

Not everyone is impressed by the stunts, though. Washington Post satirist Alexandra Petri writes in jest, “Good news, front-line worker: You are essential. No, more than that: You are a hero … Look, some jets are flying over!”

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Comedians aren’t the only ones pointing out the shortcomings of the solidarity gesture. Health-care workers and supporters say they need more than a salute.

EW Emanuel, a District-based OB-GYN and president-elect of the Medical Society of D.C., says healthcare workers are appreciative of the flyover recognition, but are calling for more action from the federal government.

“We do need a national plan, and it has to call for protecting the front line, protecting American citizens,” Emanuel says, “understanding that we need testing, we need tracing, and we need quarantine if we’re going to get this under control. If not, I think the celebration in the District and Baltimore will be in vain.”

Emanuel’s own colleagues have been infected by the coronavirus because there wasn’t a standard plan for testing and there were a mix of messages on how to handle the pandemic to start, he says. Universal testing for asymptomatic workers will help prevent more nurses and physicians from becoming patients themselves.

“Let me be clear—I am grateful for [the flyovers],” Emanuel says. “I think, though, that we can do both. We can celebrate as well as protect, have a national plan, move forward to get control of this deadly virus.”

Zackary Berger, who says he’s a doctor in Baltimore, writes on Twitter: “can you not? it’s a waste of money, a militaristic demonstration of warped priorities, a further pollution of our city airspace, and really, all in all, something no one asked for.”

“No thanks,” writes another. “Use the money spent on this to help us, not fly over us.”

A user named Joanne notes that she the loves the Blue Angels and thinks showing appreciation for health-care workers is “awesome,” but asks, “wouldn’t all the money spent on this be better spent on making PPE or helping people who are out of work?”

Others are raising concerns about safety and the ability to remain socially distant while watching the display. Spectators of previous flyovers didn’t appear to adhere to health advisories: Large crowds gathered in Philadelphia, New Jersey, and Manhattan on Tuesday, as 12 jets streaked across a clear blue sky.

Still, the Navy is encouraging all spectators to stay home, and says residents should be able to see the flyover from the safety of their quarantines. Specifically, the Navy says people should avoid traveling to any landmarks, hospitals, or large gatherings during the event.

This post has been updated with comments from EW Emanuel.