UK thanks key coronavirus workers in nationwide Clap For Our Carers

For a fifth week in a row, millions of people across the United Kingdom have shown their appreciation for NHS workers.

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 communities 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.

The royal family led the way during Thursday night’s clap for carers, the weekly tradition to show appreciation for NHS staff and those working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, who are currently staying at their Scottish home Birkhall, also took part in the clap.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, joined the UK for the fifth week in a row, to praise everyone from NHS workers to teachers who are continuing to work during the lockdown.

The family took to their doorstep at their Norfolk home, Anmer Hall.

In previous weeks, government officials have joined members of the public in their applause.

It comes as officials announced a further 616 patients have died in UK hospitals after testing positive for coronavirus.

The latest Department for Health figures brings the overall death toll from the virus in hospitals to 18,738.

Eligibility for coronavirus testing has now been expanded to include "all essential workers" in England and those in their household, the health secretary has said.

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.