Coronavirus: Join in nationwide applause for the NHS tonight at 8pm

People throughout the UK will applaud medics, nurses and other staff from their front door, garden, balcony, windows or living room in what is being called a national Clap for Carers.

Ahead of this unique event, NHS workers and the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are also being praised by local NHS Chief Executives for the important role they are playing in saving lives during the global coronavirus pandemic.

In a joint statement, the Chief Executives of LLR’s Clinical Commissioning Groups, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Leicestershire Partnership Trust, said: “We are so proud of the way our NHS staff and the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are responding to this national emergency.

“You are all playing a vital role in helping us to respond the best we can to the coronavirus challenge.

“Whilst our NHS staff are working tirelessly and pulling together to do what they can to save lives, the most important action people can take in fighting coronavirus is to continue to stay at home.

“If no action is taken, in 5 days a carrier is likely to infect 2.5 people and in 30 days this number increases to 406 people through onward transmissions.

But, with just 50 per cent less exposure to others through effective social distancing, that total number will reduce by more than 95 per cent - leading to infections for just 15 people rather than 406.”

The statement adds: “It doesn’t matter who you are, we are all in this together and by staying at home and continuing to follow Government advice, you will be protecting the NHS and saving lives.

“Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank those key workers in other organisations we are working with for their dedication and commitment to keeping people safe and providing the support needed.

“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to each and every one of you.

“When this ends the country will owe all of you an enormous debt of gratitude.”