Yahoo News Coronavirus: Masses of Brits set to 'clap for our carers' in tribute to NHS workers tonight
As hardworking NHS workers do all they can to battle coronavirus, a national salute is set to take place to honour their dedication and bravery.
In a gesture of thanks to the frontline healthcare heroes, everyone across the UK has been invited to join a mass round of applause from their doorsteps, windows and balconies on Thursday at 8pm.
The Clap For Carers campaign, which started online, is being staged because "during these unprecedented times they need to know we are grateful", according to the organisers.
The Wembley Arch, the Principality Stadium, the Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral are said to be among some of the landmarks which are set to be lit up in blue during the salute.
Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice
Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world
Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area
Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu
It is part of the #lightitblue campaign which has been organised by members of the events and entertainment industry as a way to say thank you – as some doctors say there is a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) for dealing with coronavirus patients.
The campaigns – which come as the amount of people volunteering to help the NHS reached 560,000 – have been supported on Twitter by well-known names including London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Green MP Caroline Lucas... and Paddington Bear:
On 26th March at 8pm, join us in giving all of the nurses, doctors and carers in London a massive round of applause to show our appreciation for their hard work 👏👏 #ThankYouNHS #ClapForOurCarers pic.twitter.com/brXEJQK0cL
— NHS London (@NHSEnglandLDN) March 24, 2020
Join me tomorrow at 8pm for a huge round of applause for our nurses, doctors and care workers doing incredible lifesaving work in these unprecedented times. They truly are the best of us. #clapforourcarers pic.twitter.com/D2zk2KBguZ
— Mayor of London (gov.uk/coronavirus) (@MayorofLondon) March 25, 2020
Let’s show our appreciation for our brilliant #NHS staff and all carers TONIGHT at 8pm - we owe them so much - please do share
👏🏼👏🏾👏🏽#clapforcarers #clapforourcarers pic.twitter.com/Gvagajcj9p— Caroline Lucas (@CarolineLucas) March 26, 2020
I don’t think paws were meant for clapping, so I’m going to spend some time today practicing to try and make my clap a little louder. #ClapForOurCarers
— Paddington (@paddingtonbear) March 26, 2020
As the theatre industry, we all know that an applause can really uplift us, so please join us on 26 March at 8pm to #ClapForOurCarers. pic.twitter.com/It2VTNBAFv
— Official London Theatre (@london_theatre) March 23, 2020
We will be joining the UK in recognising the hard work and dedication of our NHS staff and Carers tomorrow at 8pm. Please join us in showing love and support for those working tirelessly to protect us all in these challenging times 👏#clapforourcarers pic.twitter.com/rMCnGuPUny
— Spice Girls (@spicegirls) March 25, 2020
Join us at 8PM tonight to applaud our incredible NHS and everyone who works within it ❤️#Clapforourcarers pic.twitter.com/rFZRHDHpIQ
— Radio X (@RadioX) March 26, 2020
Chris Moyles and Kate Garraway are among others who have said they are backing the event.
Radio X presenter Moyles rallied his listeners to "make some noise for the thousands and thousands of people (in the NHS) that we'll probably never meet, just to say 'thank you' for everything they are doing for us" with a powerful message.
Gary White and Chuck Crampton, who jointly started the #lightitblue campaign, said that all venues will use existing LED technology to create a flash of blue on facades and screens.
It means that people at different venues will be able to show their support while staying at home in line with current Government advice during the pandemic.
In a statement, they said: "The events and entertainment industry finds itself in an unprecedented state of enforced inaction.
"The best thing we can do – apart from staying at home – is to use our skills and networks to say thank you to everyone who is supporting the NHS and risking their own health to help others during this pandemic."
