LONDON (UK) – On Thursday evening, Britons subjected to the government-mandated lockdown all over the country took to their balconies and doorsteps to applaud health workers battling the coronavirus spread from the frontlines.
This was an emotional show of solidarity in what is dubbed the nation’s worst crisis since World War Two.
People were clapping, banging pots and pans, cheering and waving at neighbours they no longer can shake hands with.
People took part in the “Clap for our Carers” initiative, which mirrors similar events in other countries.
Italians, who have been under strict lockdown for a longer period, started off by singing and playing music from balconies and applauding their doctors and nurses.
This phenomenon then made its way to Spain, France and even reached as far as India.
The United Kingdom is now in day three of its own lockdown. Millions stuck at home watching videos of what was happening worldwide got inspired to reel of the “Clap for our Carers” initiative via social media on Thursday.
Celebrities, politicians and even the royal family encouraged the idea. Britons at 2000 GMT set their tasks aside to partake in the moment of unity with the National Health Service (NHS).
People were seen to be clapping in all four parts of the United Kingdom — England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In London, several emotional scenes were witnessed on their streets and firecrackers were set off.
The applause broke the quiet that the severe restrictions on public life brought.
Landmarks across London lit up in blue with the NHS logo.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and finance minister Rishi Sunak stood out on the steps of his Downing Street office, maintaining a safe distance from one another and clapped in appreciation.
The London Bridge, the Royal Albert Hall and the National Theatre were lit up in blue and Thames riverboats which transport tourists and commuters joined in with blowing their horns.
The NHS is a huge source of pride for many Britons. Of late, it has been at the heart of a perennial political debate over cost and sustainability.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.