Coronavirus: New York City firefighters applaud hospital staff amid fight against Covid-19

Gesture prompts New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to say: 'You have to remember, in the darkest of days, New Yorkers shine the brightest'

As healthcare workers and hospital staff continue to work tirelessly in the fight against coronavirus in the US, the New York Fire Department has taken an opportunity to applaud them for their efforts.

This week, FDNY firefighters showed up at hospitals around New York City to give staff getting off shift changes a standing ovation.

In heartwarming videos taken of the tribute, which took place outside of Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, Mount Sinai Morningside, and New York Presbyterian Hospital, the firefighters can be seen standing on fire trucks and in the streets as they clap for the healthcare workers.

“This is incredibly touching. @FDNY firefighters gather outside a New York hospital to applaud doctors and nurses who are fighting on the front lines of Covid-19,” one person tweeted alongside a video of the tribute, which has since been viewed more than 133,000 times.

The gesture of appreciation also resonated with many other New Yorkers as the state’s cases of coronavirus, which reached more than 92,000 on Thursday, continue to rise.

“An incredible moment in a time of pure disarray,” another person captioned a video of the cheering firefighters, while someone else called the moment “heroes saluting heroes”.

The salute also prompted Governor Andrew Cuomo to reflect on the nature of New Yorkers.

“You have to remember, in the darkest of days, New Yorkers shine the brightest,” he said.

Following the emotional acknowledgement, Mount Sinai Morningside tweeted its appreciation for the city's firefighters and their support, writing: “In an incredibly overwhelming gesture, our local FDNY firehouse gathered outside our Emergency Room tonight to salute our #HealthcareHeroes. We are so deeply honoured. Thank you.”

The FDNY tribute comes as New York City residents continue to cheer for healthcare workers nightly at 7pm from their homes as the city remains under lock down.