A MINUTE’S silence will be held across the UK later today to commemorate the key workers who have died from COVID-19. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who recently returned to work after battling the illness himself,  will join the tribute, which starts at 11:00 am today (Tuesday April 28).

Government workers will be asked to take part and the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson said it is hoped others will participate “nationwide”.

Health secretary Matt Hancock revealed that of the 21,092 people who had died of coronavirus in UK hospitals, 82 were NHS staff and 16 worked in social care. 

Unison, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal of College of Nursing last week launched a campaign for the UK to hold a minute’s silence to honour frontline staff who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whether in nursing or driving buses, our heroes kept going to work when many had the luxury of staying at home. Nobody should go out to work and risk their life

Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing

Between them, the organisations represent more than a million NHS and public service workers including porters, refuse collectors and care staff.

The PM’s official spokesman said: “We will be supporting the minute’s silence.

“We will be asking everybody who works in the government to take part and we would hope that others will take part nationwide as well.”

NHS England medical director Stephen Powis said he hoped “the whole nation” would show how much their “contribution is remembered and appreciated”.

Tragedy

Chief nursing officer Ruth May added: “Every death is a tragedy but we feel the loss of fellow health and care workers particularly keenly.”

Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: “I am very pleased the Prime Minister is going to be taking part in the silence tomorrow.

“This moment will bring together a sombre but grateful nation.

“Whether in nursing or driving buses, our heroes kept going to work when many had the luxury of staying at home. Nobody should go out to work and risk their life. This must not be the last time that sacrifice is recognised.”