Millions of Britons take to the streets for latest Clap For Carers salute of NHS staff and key workers
- Now in its ninth week, the campaign sees people across the country take to their doorsteps and balconies
- Today’s show of support comes as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases passed the 250,000 mark
- However, Britain’s daily coronavirus death toll dropped again as health chiefs announced 338 more victims
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
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Millions of Brits once again stepped out of their homes tonight to pay tribute to the thousands of NHS staff and healthcare workers putting their lives at risk to help fight the spread of the coronavirus.
Now in its ninth week, the Clap for Carers has seen people across the country take to their doorsteps and balconies to show their appreciation for the efforts of those on the frontline during the pandemic.
The nationwide campaign, which sees members of the public, politicians, celebrities and the emergency services applaud the key workers at 8pm every Thursday, comes as the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases today passed the 250,000 mark.
However, Britain’s daily coronavirus death toll dropped again as health chiefs announced 338 more victims, meaning the official number of victims has now surpassed 36,000.
The Department of Health toll – which takes into account deaths in all settings – is the lowest figure recorded on a Thursday since March 26 (103) and is even lower than yesterday’s count of 363.
NHS workers react at the Aintree University Hospital before the Clap for our Carers campaign in support of the NHS, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease
A painted rainbow thanking the NHS is displayed on the ground in a car park outside Frimley Park Hospital today ahead of the Clap for Carers
NHS workers hold a banner at the Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool before the Clap for our Carers campaign tonight
Jack, five, and sister Lucy Cassidy, 10, from Poulton le Fylde lends their support for the nationwide campaign earlier today
NHS England confirmed one of the victims was a 14-year-old who had an underlying health condition – but officials did not reveal what medical issue the teenager had.
Government data released today also showed another 2,615 people have tested positive for COVID-19, taking the official size of Britain’s outbreak past a quarter of a million (250,908).
Elsewhere this afternoon, Boris Johnson bowed to massive pressure to drop the NHS surcharge for foreign health and care workers.
The PM declared that the £400-a-year levy will be dropped after senior Conservatives complained it was ‘immoral’ and ‘mean-spirited’ that those on the frontline of the coronavirus battle were being forced to pay.