NHS Clap: What time is the Clap for the NHS Carers tonight, Thursday, May 7?
THE nation today, May 7, applauds the efforts of carers on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
In a now weekly tradition, millions of Brits are expected to take part in Clap for our Carers – here’s how you can get involved in tonight’s show of appreciation.
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What time is Clap for Carers tonight?
The nation will come together to applaud carers tonight, May 7, at 8pm.
The initiative began on Thursday, March 26, and has since taken place every week.
Many people take part in Clap for our Carers which is intended to thank the estimated 1.3 million Britons who work for the NHS and other key workers as they battle against coronavirus on the frontline.
Landmarks across the country, including the Wembley Arch, the Royal Albert Hall and Lincoln Cathedral are lit blue during the weekly tribute.
Public figures who have joined in the clapping include David and Victoria Beckham and the Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has sung the praises of the NHS after beating coronavirus with their help.
Why are people clapping?
The aim for Clap for our Carers is for the NHS to feel loved and appreciated by the British public, according to organisers.
It also gives communities the chance to come together and offer encouragement in the middle of the coronavirus outbreak.
The NHS are not the only entity being applauded, as student carers, volunteers and other key workers will also be celebrated in their efforts to keep Britain going.
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How can I get involved?
Anyone can join in Clap for our Carers.
You can get involved by standing at your window, on your balcony or front garden to give a round of applause along with the rest of the country.
Some have chosen to applaud with the aid of cooking utensils while drivers toot their horns to say thank you.
If you do not want to go outside, you can participate by live streaming yourself clapping on social media.
The hashtag #clapforourcarers is used to join thousands of social media users applauding the NHS.
You can also purchase T-shirts with proceeds going to NHS charities.
Details of this can be found here.
More on coronavirus
How did Clap for our NHS start?
Dutch national Annemarie Plas started the campaign.
Residing in London, she was inspired after seeing a similar show of appreciation for carers in her home country, the Netherlands.
Since then, other countries who have been worse hit by the outbreak of the virus have applauded their medical staff in a similar way.