UK unites for fourth week in nationwide Clap For Our Carers to thank NHS workers fighting coronavirus pandemic
For the fourth week in a row, millions of people across the UK have taken part in a mass round of applause to show their appreciation for NHS workers from doorsteps, balconies and open windows.
Clap For Our Carers has become a weekly event as people across the nation unite in a massive show of support for the UK’s emergency workers who are caring for coronavirus patients.
Over the past month, locked-down streets have come together on their doorsteps to clap in unison, while in cities applause rings out across otherwise quiet skylines as people stand on their balconies or at their windows.
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who is deputising for the prime minister, said he and Chancellor Rishi Sunak "joined the nation in paying tribute to all the heroes on the frontline of the fight against coronavirus".
Downing Street also said Prime Minister Boris Johnson was clapping for the country's doctors, nurses and care workers.
A Number 10 spokesman said: "Like millions of people across the country, the Prime Minister joined in the clap for carers this evening, to say thank you for the incredible efforts of the country’s doctors, nurses and care workers."
This evening’s Clap For Our Carers has been followed by a broadcast on ITV from healthcare workers applauding the nation, thanking them for their support and for staying home.
The clip is part of NHS Day on the network to highlight the NHS Charities Together Million Claps Appeal, which is being supported by ITV.
The channel has dedicated its day's programmes to health service workers fighting coronavirus to thank them for their service during the national crisis.
The NHS Charities Together Million Claps Appeal appeal is aiming to generate at least a million 'claps' - messages of support - and raise £5 million to help NHS staff and volunteers who are caring for coronavirus patients.
This Clap For Our Carers is unlikely to be the last under lockdown despite the UK nearing, or even passed, the Covid-19 peak.
It comes as the lockdown measures to slow the spread of coronavirus in the UK has been extended for 'at least' three more weeks.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said earlier it was "far too early" for lockdown to end.
On Thursday morning Matt Hancock said "we are seeing that peak, but it’s still far too high. And so it is too early to be making changes".
To send a message of support to the NHS and donate £5, text CLAP and your message to 70507. Your message can be passed onto your local hospital, and the donation will go to the NHS Charities Together Covid-19 appeal. You will be charged £5 plus one standard rate message, and you must be 18 or over.