UK follows Modi's way to applaud medics

The sound of applause, pots and pans being banged reverberated across London as residents thanked key workers on the frontline against the new coronavirus.

London: Following the footsteps of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UK has launched 'Clap for Carers' initiative to applaud health care workers on the frontline against the new coronavirus. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Thursday evening clapped outside 11 Downing Street to salute local heroes during the nationwide initiative.

Londoners reverberated the sound of applause, pots and pans across the capital thanking medics fight against the pandemic.

The UK is currently in lockdown, in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 and decrease the strain on its public health system.

Government figures showed the country had 33,718 confirmed cases and 2,921 deaths.

Britain has also promised to increase testing for the new coronavirus to 10 times the current level within the month, after political opponents, scientists and even usually supportive newspapers lambasted Johnson over broken promises on COVID-19.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

AP