More than 100 frontline workers have reportedly died so far.
Set to take place on International Workers’ Memorial Day, the UK will take part in a minute’s silence next Tuesday, April 28, to remember all the key workers who have lost their lives while helping to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organised by three health unions, UNISON, the Royal College of Nursing and the Royal College of Midwives, the tribute will recognise those involved in caring for others and saving lives, as well as those keeping key services running and the public safe.
The minute’s silence will take place at 11am across the country, with the unions urging politicians, employers, people at work and those on lockdown at home to take part and spread the word.
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. Every year the sacrifice of workers around the world is recognised, but 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 best tribute we can all pay them is to stay inside to protect the NHS.
“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.”
As of 09:00 on 21/4/2020, at least 105 health and social care workers are believed to have died of COVID-19. Our team works tirelessly to ensure their names are never forgotten. https://t.co/1KMrcujfEb pic.twitter.com/zu1ADy6aMZ
— NursingNotes (@NursingNotesUK) April 21, 2020
According to NursingNotes, a website operated by a group of registered nurses, more than 100 care workers have now sadly died due to Coronavirus in the UK.
International Workers’ Memorial Day takes place around the world every year on April 28, recognising and remembering those who have lost their lives or become unwell because of their work.