NHS workers in fight against coronavirus to be thanked with nationwide round of applause

A national salute is set to take place to honour the NHS staff working hard through the coronavirus outbreak.

In a gesture of appreciation to frontline medical personnel, people across the nation have been invited to join a mass round of applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies on Thursday at 8pm.

The moment will be streamed live by ITV News on all our social media channels.

Organisers of the "Clap For Carers" campaign - which started online - say it is being staged because "during these unprecedented times they [NHS staff] need to know we are grateful".

Wembley Arch has already illuminated blue with messages of thanks for NHS staff. Credit: PA

The Wembley Arch, the Principality Stadium, the Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral are said to be among some of the landmarks which are set to be lit up in blue during the salute.

It is part of the #lightitblue campaign which has been organised by members of the events and entertainment industry as a way to say thank you.

Citizens on lockdown in Spain and Italy have already held similar displays of thanks for medical staff - applauding and cheering from balconies and windows.

  • People on lockdown across Europe applaud medical staff working through the coronavirus pandemic:

Presenters Chris Moyles and Kate Garraway are among the high profile figures who have said they are backing the campaign.

Radio X presenter Chris Moyles rallied his listeners to "make some noise for the thousands and thousands of people [in the NHS] that we'll probably never meet, just to say 'thank you' for everything they are doing for us".

Jointly founders of the #lightitblue campaign - Gary White and Chuck Crampton - said that all venues will use existing LED technology to create a flash of blue on facades and screens.

It means that people at different venues will be able to show their support while staying at home in line with current Government advice during the pandemic.

In a statement, organisers said: "The events and entertainment industry finds itself in an unprecedented state of enforced inaction.

"The best thing we can do - apart from staying at home - is to use our skills and networks to say thank you to everyone who is supporting the NHS and risking their own health to help others during this pandemic."

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