The brightest light, shining through the fear and darkness of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a spontaneous outbreak of gratitude that has encircled the world. It began, with the virus, in the city of Wuhan, in China, where in mid-January the sound of voices shouting encouragement began to echo in the evenings through empty streets.
The phenomenon spread to Italy where, in typically effusive style, people sang arias and popular songs from their balconies (there was a mighty nationwide rendition of YMCA) and applauded healthcare workers as they passed below.
An evening round of applause for healthcare workers travelled even more swiftly than the virus through the UK and Europe, where the youngest royals led the clapping, then on to Turkey, India, New Zealand, Australia and further. Children wrote letters and posted heartfelt notes of thanks in windows and on social media pages. Restaurants around the world delivered free meals to healthcare workers. In return, doctors, nurses and others working on the front line of this crisis posted messages of encouragement to the millions of people all over the world who were making their jobs easier by staying at home.
Here at The Weekly, we would also like to say thank you, by introducing this small band of heroes who represent so many more.
Mental health guardian Christine Morgan
CEO of the National Mental Health Commission and National Suicide Prevention Adviser to the Prime Minister
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