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The British public have been called on to take part in a mass round of applause on Thursday night to show their support to the National Health Service (NHS) staff and carers amid the novel coronavirus outbreak.
The "Clap For Our Carers" campaign is set to take place at 8p.m. (2000GMT) on Thursday from the country's doorsteps, windows, gardens and balconies in a show of appreciation to doctors, nurses and all other people involved in tackling the spread of COVID-19.
The message is circulating widely on social media and hundreds of thousands of people across Britain are expected to participate.
"During these unprecedented times, they need to know that we are grateful," said a poster describing the campaign.
One of the organizers wrote on the website: "In Spain, France and the Netherlands they already did this. And being a Dutch Londoner, I want to pass this on in the country I feel so at home, and the NHS had been nothing but amazing to my family and myself!"
Also joining the NHS in fighting the pandemic are recently retired medics, as well as students nearing the end of their training. More than half a million people have also signed up to be NHS volunteers to help in the crisis.
The campaign was backed by the British Department of Health and Social Care, which twittered: "Join the nation at 8p.m. tonight to say THANK YOU to all health and social care staff on the frontline, who are working tirelessly across the country in the fight against #coronavirus."
As of Wednesday morning, a total of 9,529 cases of COVID-19 had been confirmed in the country, an increase of 1,452 in 24 hours, while the death toll reached 463, according to the department.
