Clap for our Carers: UK erupts in applause for NHS workers handling coronavirus crisis

Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak stand in Downing Street to join appreciation of health staff

People across the UK have joined in a mass round of applause from their doorsteps to thank NHS staff working through the coronavirus crisis.

The national “Clap for our Carers” event was coordinated to show appreciation to healthcare workers risking their own lives in treating those infected.

Similar events have been held in Europe, with citizens on lockdown in France and Italy standing on their balconies to applauding medical staff.

Organisers had asked people to clap either on their doorsteps or through open windows at 8pm to thank NHS staff, including doctors, nurses, GPs, pharmacists and emergency workers.

Many went out into the street to join in – including Boris Johnson and chancellor Rishi Sunak, who stood in Downing Street to applaud.

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In Leytonstone, east London, people set off fireworks as the event turned into a partial celebration, and elsewhere in London people sounded horns and trumpets.

Firefighters in Birmingham, and residents from Glasgow to Brighton applauded, many also clanging pots and pans. Cars and boats tooted their horns.

London Ambulance Service said hearing the clapping was emotional, and the North West Ambulance Service said the event was “heartwarming”.

It came after 115 more people died in the UK in 24 hours – the first time the daily UK death toll had surpassed 100.

The Department of Health had encouraged people to take part, as had MPs, charities, celebrities, NHS trusts, British Transport Police, Classic FM and other organisations and businesses.

Nadine Dorries, the health minister who herself was infected with Covid-19, wrote on Twitter: “At no time when I trained as a nurse many years ago, did I ever think I would have to face what our nurses and all frontline staff are dealing with right now. Tonight, at 8pm I will be joining the nation in a hugely grateful round of applause. You are amazing.”

Notable buildings were lit up in blue as part of a “lightitblue” campaign by the events and entertainment industry to say thank you. A wedding venue in Wales projected a lit message onto its facade, reading “Thank you, NHS”.

The government has committed a further £210m to an international bid to find a coronavirus vaccine.

But some sceptics said it was hypocritical for someone to clap for the NHS if they had voted Conservative, and others said the government should prioritise giving health staff personal protective equipment.