Doctors, nurses and others who have made outstanding contributions in the UK’s heroic response to the pandemic will be rewarded when the list is published on October 10. Earlier this year, Boris Johnson announced the Queen’s Birthday Honours would be delayed by four months to allow time to recognise the work of those on the frontline against the medical crisis. Mr Johnson asked in May for nominations of those who have gone over and above in their response to Covid-19.
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Downing Street said COVID heroes are being honoured next month in a “bumper” list which will also include recipients chosen before the pandemic.
Number 10 added the honours list will prioritise frontline and community heroes as it will be the first to include coronavirus nominations during the pandemic continuing to sweep across the UK.
The Prime Minister said: “As we all redouble our efforts to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives this winter, I am pleased that we have an opportunity to recognise those who have given so much to this country already.
“The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest health challenge in our lifetime.
“We all have to play our part, but the dedication, courage and compassion seen from these recipients, be it responding on the frontline or out in their communities providing support to the most vulnerable, is an inspiration to us all.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude and the 2020 Queen’s Birthday honours will be the first of many occasions where we can thank them as a nation.”
During the opening weeks of the pandemic, millions of people gathered on their doorsteps at 8pm every Thursday to applaud the efforts of NHS doctors, nurses and other health professionals who worked on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus
Last weekend, former Conservative Party Deputy Chairman Lord Ashcroft suggested NHS staff generally should be honoured with a ‘collective award’ of the George Cross for their efforts during the coronavirus crisis.
READ MORE: Coronavirus map LIVE: UK hits record number of positive tests
On Saturday, the Government reported a further 6,042 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus, sending the overall number of infections from the virus edging closer to 430,000.
A further 34 people died within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19, increasing the UK’s death toll from coronavirus to 41,971.
Separate figures from several statistics agencies show there have been 57,600 deaths registered in the UK where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Last week, Mr Johnson announced a raft of new measures aimed at curbing the recent surge in coronavirus infections/
These included ordering pubs, cars and restaurants to close by 10pm, and increasing punishments for those not wearing protective face coverings in busy public areas.
This came after the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned if the UK’s coronavirus infection rate continues on its current trajectory, there will be 49,000 daily cases and 200 deaths by October 14.
