Here's how to take part in tonight's national applause to thank key workers

To thank the key workers who are working tirelessly throughout the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, tonight (7 May) will see a #ClapForOurCarers event dedicated to them.

Here’s what you should know - and how to get involved.

What is the Clap For Our Carers campaign?

The Clap For Our Carers, or #clapforourcarers, campaign will see people across the UK applaud NHS workers, delivery drivers, shop workers and a multitude of other key workers from the doorsteps, balconies or windows of their homes, in order to say thank you for all of their ongoing hard work.

The campaign website says, “Healthcare workers, emergency services, armed services, delivery drivers, shop workers, teachers, waste collectors, manufacturers, postal workers, cleaners, vets, engineers and all those who are out there making an unbelievable difference to our lives in these challenging times… bravo, you are amazing!”

The government is implementing new measures “to save lives through delaying and flattening the peak of the epidemic.”

This includes, enabling “regulators to emergency register suitable people as regulated healthcare professionals, such as nurses, midwives or paramedics, explains Gov.uk.

“This might include (but will not be limited to) recently retired professionals and students who are near the end of their training.”

However, frontline NHS staff are also currently not getting the protective equipment that they need in order to treat coronavirus patients.

Healthcare workers in hospitals throughout the UK have been voicing their concerns and frustration over the lack of personal protective equipment, also known as PPE.

Workers explain that they are having to substitute the correct equipment with less effective items or even improvise with non-medical materials.

When will the Clap For Our Carers applause take place?

This will take place on Thursday 7 May at 8pm – and every Thursday night at the same time thereafter.

How do I join in?

The Clap For Our Carers website reads: “Clap every Thursday at 8pm on your doorstep, your balcony, your garden or front room.”

What is the idea behind the Clap For Our Carers campaign?

The idea behind this campaign is to show our appreciation for doctors, nurses, GPs and every other NHS worker during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, alongside teachers, delivery drivers, shop workers, postal workers and other key workers.

The Clap For Our Carers website reads: “Every Thursday evening at 8pm we’ll be standing up and applauding all those who care for us and are ensuring our world can keep on turning. We hope you will join with your family and neighbours in showing thanks to those whose work outside, means so many of us can be inside at home or can be looked after and supported with selfless dedication.”

Is this initiative taking place in other countries?

Similar events have already been held in countries including Spain, France and the Netherlands.

Italians and Spanish people have also been singing from their balconies and playing musical instruments in order to lift the spirits of not only their families, but their neighbours during the pandemic.

Coronavirus: the facts

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus and is spread primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

What are the symptoms? 

The NHS states that you should not leave the home if you have either:

• a high temperature – this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
• a new, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or 3 or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)

What should I do if I feel unwell?

Don’t go to your GP but instead look online at the coronavirus service that can tell you if you need medical help and what to do next. Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

When can I go outside?

The Government has put the UK into lockdown and instructed everyone to stay at home. You should only leave your home for very limited purposes:

• shopping for basic necessities, for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible
• one form of exercise a day, for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household
• any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid or escape risk of injury or harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person
• travelling for work purposes, but only where you cannot work from home

However, these reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are 2 metres apart from anyone outside of your household.