(Adds PM's spokesman, volunteers)
By Kylie MacLellan
LONDON, March 26 (Reuters) - Britons around the country were
set to take to their balconies and front gardens on Thursday
evening to applaud healthcare workers who are battling the
spread of coronavirus.
The "Clap for our Carers" initiative, which has been widely
spread on social media, encourages people to deliver a round of
applause at 2000 GMT to show their appreciation to doctors,
nurses, and all those tackling the COVID-19 outbreak.
"During these unprecedented times they need to know that we
are grateful," the message said.
"Please join us on 26th March at 8pm for a big applause
(from front doors, garden, balcony, windows, living rooms etc)
to show all nurses; doctors; GPs and carers our appreciation for
their ongoing hard work and fight against this virus."
Asked whether the prime minister would be taking part, Boris
Johnson's spokesman said: "The prime minister will take every
opportunity that is available to him to express his support for
the fantastic efforts of the NHS (National Health Service).
Frontline doctors have warned they do not have enough
personal protective equipment and feel like "cannon fodder" in
the fight against the virus and have complained about a lack of
testing for healthcare workers.
As the health service becomes increasingly stretched by the
number of cases, the government is opening a temporary hospital
at an exhibition centre in east London and asking manufacturers
to produce thousands of ventilators.
More than 9,500 people have tested positive for the virus in
Britain and 463 have died.
On Tuesday the government issued a call for 250,000
volunteers to sign up to help the NHS and vulnerable people hit
by the coronavirus crisis, and health minister Matt Hancock said
on Thursday that 560,000 people had already volunteered.
Johnson's spokesman said the scheme would not be closing and
it would be "fantastic" if it could get to 750,000.
Sporting and entertainment venues including London's Royal
Albert Hall and the National Theatre, as well as several other
landmarks, will also be illuminated in blue at the time of the
applause to honour the NHS.
Others planning to mark the occasion include London's Thames
Clipper boat bus service.
"Today our fleet will be blowing their horns as part of the
Clap for Carers Campaign at 8pm. Please join us by giving a big
round of applause for all their ongoing hard work," it said.
Similar events have taken place in other countries including
India, where people took to their balconies and stood near open
windows on Sunday to clap, clang metal vessels and ring bells to
cheer emergency workers.
(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan; editing by Michael Holden/Guy
Faulconbridge)