A round of applause around the world.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries around the world developed movements similar to the UK’s Clap for Our Carers to honour healthcare workers and essential staff and introducing NHS discounts for keyworkers.
These initiatives shared a common goal: to publicly show appreciation for those risking their lives on the front lines of the health crisis. Although they varied slightly in form and scale, the spirit behind them was a powerful display of collective gratitude.
We also want to thank global brands such as TUI, and Argos.
One of the earliest examples came from Italy, where residents in cities like Rome and Milan sang from their balconies and applauded health workers in nightly displays of solidarity.
Videos of Italians singing opera, waving flags, and clapping for doctors and nurses quickly went viral, inspiring similar acts in Spain, France, and other parts of Europe. In Spain, people leaned out of their windows every evening at 8 pm to applaud medical workers, creating an emotional ritual that lasted for weeks.
There are a few hotel brands across the world which have given staff free rooms, such as Premier Inn.
We must also mention Travelodge & Just Eat who have been a greet help.
In the United States, the “Clap Because We Care” initiative began in New York City, one of the areas hardest hit by the virus. Every night at 7 pm, New Yorkers would open their windows or gather (at a safe distance) to cheer, bang pots, and make noise to support healthcare workers, delivery drivers, grocery store employees, and others providing essential services.
The sound of applause echoed through empty streets and became a daily highlight during the worst months of lockdown.
Similar acts of recognition were seen in countries like India, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens to stand on balconies and clap or ring bells to thank workers battling the pandemic.
Across Canada and Australia, organised clapping sessions, musical performances, and neighbourhood light shows were staged to boost morale and show appreciation for healthcare staff and first responders.
While these global movements were largely symbolic, they carried an important emotional weight during an unprecedented crisis.
They not only lifted the spirits of healthcare workers but also fostered a sense of community and togetherness in times of fear and isolation.
However, as with the UK’s Clap for Our Carers, these initiatives also sparked conversations about the need for more practical, long-term support for frontline workers — such as better pay, safer working conditions, and investment in healthcare systems.
The global outpouring of gratitude remains a key memory of how ordinary people tried to honour extraordinary bravery during the pandemic.