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When The Upcoming Minute's Silence For The NHS Is Taking Place

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Close-up of drawing in support of the NHS
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One positive to emerge from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is a greater appreciation of those on the NHS frontline, which after weeks of national lockdown, appears to be at an all time high. Evidence of this can be seen through various high-profile NHS fundraisers, and the weekly Clap For Our Carers campaign. Now, a one-minute silence to pay tribute to NHS workers has been confirmed, and if you're wanting to get involved, here's how to take part in the upcoming minute's silence for the NHS.

As the Metro reports, the nationwide one-minute silence will pay tribute to NHS workers who have sadly died from coronavirus, will be held at 11 a.m. on International Workers' Memorial Day on Tuesday, April 28.

The idea was first brought forward by health unions Unison, the Royal College of Nursing, and the Royal College of Midwives. Dame Donna Kinnair, the chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, told The Guardian of the decision to the silence would "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.

The gesture will take place two days before this week's Clap For Our Carers event, which has gone ahead every week since Thursday, March 26.

Kirsty O' Connor - PA Images/PA Images/Getty Images

As the BBC reports, Unison general secretary Dave Prentis recently praised the idea as being "the ultimate tribute" for those who selflessly "put themselves in harm's way to keep us safe" in the fight against coronavirus.

Care minister Helen Whateley told BBC Breakfast on April 22 that 61 NHS workers have died from COVID-19. That figure continues to rise.

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