News

COVID-19: public applaud NHS staff once more

Clapping from doorsteps, windows and balconies across the UK


NHS worker Lucy Howard (centre) clapped with other Brentford residents last week. Picture: Shutterstock

A second round of applause rang out across the UK to honour nurses and other NHS staff on the front-line of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Clap For Our Carers event saw residents applauding from their doorsteps, windows and balconies, with some venturing into the streets, on Thursday night.

A public salute to NHS staff

Broadcaster ITV paused programming, while the BBC showed live footage of the nation paying tribute to NHS workers.

The first Clap for Our Carers event took place on March 26, and there have been calls to make it a weekly event to show appreciation for those working through the crisis.

Annemarie Plas, who lives in London and describes herself as ‘a grateful mum staying at home like so many of us’, was inspired to set up the initiative after seeing similar events of mass gratitude in other countries.

Celebrities say thank you to NHS staff

Meanwhile, more than 70 stars of stage, screen and sport have joined forces to thank NHS staff in the fight against COVID-19.

David Beckham, Anthony Joshua, Kylie Minogue, Elton John and Jessica Ennis-Hill are among those who feature in two videos posted on NHS England and NHS Improvement social media accounts. 

The short films also feature clips from NHS leaders, including England's chief nursing officer Ruth May.

'I want to say a very big personal thank you to everyone in the NHS and social care that are working so hard right now,' she said.

'And I also wanted to say thank you to those people that are re-joining our NHS at this time in our COVID-19 response.'


In other news

Jobs