FINAL SALUTE
Millions cheer for our NHS heroes for 10th week as Clap for Carers founder says tonight should be the last
MILLIONS cheered at their doorsteps this evening for our NHS heroes as the Clap for Carers founder said it should be the last one.
It is now ten weeks since the nation began to whoop and cheer every Thursday evening for key workers amid the coronavirus crisis.
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And Annemarie Plas, who came up with the idea, said the 10th event should be the final one.
Last week she said: "To have the most impact I think it is good to stop it at its peak.
“Without getting too political, I share some of the opinions that some people have about it becoming politicised.
"I think the narrative is starting to change and I don't want the clap to be negative."
She told Good Morning Britain it's time to move on and focus on improving conditions for key workers, but praised people who'd taken part.
The mum from South London added she hoped neighbours would still come out onto their doorsteps to socialise at 8pm on Thursday.
Royals, the PM and celebs have all joined in each week since March 26 to show support for the NHS.
Annemarie wants to bring back the clap in 2021 to mark a year since the outbreak.
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She said: “Stopping clapping doesn’t mean we are not still appreciating them. Some people will still want to carry on, so they should.”
An NHS doctor backed her call to end the weekly clap. Meenal Viz, 27, from London, said it has become a stunt hijacked by politicians.
The initiative sees the involvement of millions of people and is intended to thank the estimated 1.3 million Britons who work for the NHS and other key workers as they combat the coronavirus on the frontline.
Across the country, landmarks including the Royal Albert Hall, the Wembley Arch and Lincoln Cathedral are all lit blue during the weekly show of gratitude.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has thanked the NHS after receiving treatment during his own battle with the coronavirus is among several public figures who partake in the tribute.
The show of appreciation has also brought communities together as they offered each other reassurance in the coronavirus outbreak.
Student carers, volunteers and other key workers are also applauded for their efforts to keep Britain moving.
The PM revealed the five tests for easing the lockdown had finally been met, meaning he can relax some of the country's restrictions.
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Today the UK coronavirus death toll rose to 37,645 after 185 more fatalities were recorded in hospitals across England.
It brings the total number of deaths from the bug in English hospitals to 26,234, with a 28-year-old included in the latest tally.
Of the newly confirmed deaths today, patients were aged between 28 and 99 - and five of them were considered healthy.
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