In Johnson's absence, UK foreign minister to lead applause for health workers
- Country:
- United Kingdom
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab will lead the British government's show of appreciation for the nation's health workers on Thursday, standing in for his boss, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, whose shock admission to intensive care with COVID-19 has underscored the seriousness of the viral outbreak. In what has become a weekly event, organized largely on social media, people across Britain stand on their doorsteps at 8 p.m. to give a round of applause for the National Health Service in a public display of support.
Last week, Johnson joined in with the applause from the steps of Downing Street, despite being in self-isolation after having tested positive for coronavirus on the day of the first time the event happened, March 27. But within a few days, he went to hospital because his symptoms persisted, and was transferred into intensive care on Monday, a move which brought home to many the severity of COVID-19.
"Thank you to all of those who are looking after us in our time of need," Raab said at the government's daily news conference on Thursday. "For the doctors and nurses who have died of coronavirus whilst caring for others, we will never forget their sacrifice, we will never forget their devotion to helping others," he added.
Support for the NHS is widespread in Britain, with football clubs announcing financial aid packages and donations of equipment, for example, and landmarks across the country turning blue last week, the color of the NHS logo. But the government has been criticized for failing to provide sufficient protective gear to frontline health workers.
Raab acknowledged there had been challenges with the distribution of gear but said the army was helping deliver it.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
- READ MORE ON:
- Dominic Raab
- Boris Johnson
- COVID
- British
- National Health Service
- Downing Street
ALSO READ
Scientists warn of lethal bird flu pandemic, says could be '100 times worse' than COVID
India's stature grew globally as it helped other countries during Covid: Mandaviya
Modi govt was 'dragged into' providing free COVID-19 vaccinations by oppn: Cong
Inflation has been lowest and growth rate highest under BJP rule except during Covid pandemic: Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.
Indian CEOs' average salary sees 40% increase to Rs 13.8 cr post-COVID-19: Deloitte report