Brits urged to join minute's silence for frontline workers killed by the coronavirus
Tributes to the NHS have become a common sight during the outbreak.
2 min read
People in Britain have been urged to join a minute's silence for all frontline workers killed during the coronavirus outbreak.
Trade union chiefs representing health and care staff are leading the call, and have asked politicians, bosses and workers on lockdown to observe the tribute at 11am on Tuesday, 28 April.
Millions of people across the country already join in the weekly 'Clap For Carers' at 8pm every Thursday.
Dozens of hospital and care home workers have died from the disease amid claims the Government has failed to get enough personal protective equipment to the frontline.
The campaign is being led by Unison, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives.
Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: "This is the ultimate tribute to remember workers who’ve lost their lives and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and vital services running."
28 April is International Workers Memorial Day and Mr Prentis added: "This year has a special significance because of the pandemic.
"Thousands of key staff are on the frontline while the rest of us are in lockdown. That’s why we’ve issued this call for the whole country to take part and remember the sacrifices they’ve made.
"The minute’s silence is a thank you to all the workers including nurses, midwives, cleaners and care staff who’ve died from this devastating virus."
RCN general secretary Donna Kinnair said: “We’ve become used to hearing a great roar on a Thursday night for key workers, but this respectful silence will be a poignant reminder of the risks they run to keep us safe.
“I hope the public gets behind this with the same affection they show when applauding our people."
Backing the move, Labour leader Keir Starmer said: "Our key workers are literally putting their lives on the line in the fight against the coronavirus. They represent the best of us.
"That is why Labour wholeheartedly supports the call for a minute’s silence in honour of all those on the frontline who have died from coronavirus."
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