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NHS heroes were in tears this morning as Boris Johnson led the nation in tribute to fallen frontline medics who have died in the fight against coronavirus.

The Prime Minister, who spent three nights in intensive care earlier this month, observed a minute's silence at 11am - one day after he returned to Number 10 following his Covid-19 battle.

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Boris Johnson observed a minute's silence at Downing Street this morning
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Boris Johnson observed a minute's silence at Downing Street this morningCredit: PA:Press Association
The PM at the minute's silence
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The PM at the minute's silenceCredit: PA:Press Association
A nurse wiped away tears outside Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester during a minute's silence to pay tribute to the NHS staff and key workers who have died during the coronavirus outbreak
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A nurse wiped away tears outside Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester during a minute's silence to pay tribute to the NHS staff and key workers who have died during the coronavirus outbreakCredit: PA:Press Association
NHS staff at Aintree University Hospital observe a minute's silence this morning to pay tribute to workers who have died
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NHS staff at Aintree University Hospital observe a minute's silence this morning to pay tribute to workers who have diedCredit: Mercury Press
Staff at Aintree stopped to observe the poignant minute's silence today
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Staff at Aintree stopped to observe the poignant minute's silence todayCredit: Mercury Press

People across the UK paused for a minute in sombre tribute to the sacrifice made by those on the front line, in roles ranging from doctors and nurses to carers, cleaners, porters and bus drivers.

Heartbreaking pictures show nurses wiping away tears after gathering outside to pay tribute to colleagues who died from the killer bug.

One nurse broke down in tears as fellow hero workers took part in the minute's silence outside Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester.

Others gathered outside hospitals in Bolton, Liverpool, Bolton Glasgow, Derby and London this morning.

Mr Johnson said: ";This morning I took part in a minute’s silence to remember those workers who have tragically died in the coronavirus pandemic. The nation will not forget you."

More than 90 NHS and social care workers have died during the pandemic.

It comes as:

Matt Hancock said families of NHS heroes who died on the frontline will get £60,000 of cash help so they are not left destitute.

Dame Donna Kinnair, chief executive and general secretary of the Royal College of Nursing, said: "I am heartened to hear how many people took part in the minute's silence to honour the memory of staff who have tragically died during the pandemic.

"We thought it was important to pay tribute publicly to those who have lost their lives to the virus, and I am proud that so many took the time to do so this morning."

She issued an urgent call for protection of workers, saying the death toll must not be allowed to rise further.

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She added: "An even greater task now remains - to stop more joining the tragic number of those who have died. All key workers, healthcare staff among them, must be afforded the greatest protection."

Andrea Sutcliffe, Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) chief executive and registrar, said: "Our tribute in silence today is as important as the noisy cheering for the NHS, social care and key workers on a Thursday evening."

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson is reportedly planning to refine lockdown rules in the coming days, amid mounting pressure for the Government to set out the next steps before they must be reviewed on May 7.

Speaking outside Downing Street on Monday morning, the PM insisted he would not risk a second peak in the disease by relaxing restrictions too quickly.

The Times reported that schools will remain shut next month, but shops selling non-essential items will be allowed to reopen if customers can be kept two metres apart.

People stand outside with pairs of shoes lined up outside Southend Hospital during the minute's silence for key workers who have died
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People stand outside with pairs of shoes lined up outside Southend Hospital during the minute's silence for key workers who have diedCredit: Getty Images - Getty
Pairs of shoes are lined up with a sign that reads "These shoes can never be filled again. RIP" outside Southend Hospital
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Pairs of shoes are lined up with a sign that reads "These shoes can never be filled again. RIP" outside Southend HospitalCredit: Getty Images - Getty
A minute's silence is observed at North Kensington Fire Station in Notting Hill
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A minute's silence is observed at North Kensington Fire Station in Notting HillCredit: London News Pictures
Staff gathered outside Bolton Hospital this morning to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives
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Staff gathered outside Bolton Hospital this morning to pay tribute to those who have lost their livesCredit: Zenpix
NHS staff at Salford Royal Hospital pause for a minute's silence to honour UK key workers, including NHS staff, health and social care workers, who have died
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NHS staff at Salford Royal Hospital pause for a minute's silence to honour UK key workers, including NHS staff, health and social care workers, who have diedCredit: AFP
Staff gathered outside Bolton Hospital this morning to join in the silence
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Staff gathered outside Bolton Hospital this morning to join in the silenceCredit: Zenpix
Staff stand outside Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester during a minute's silence to pay tribute to the NHS staff and key workers who have died
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Staff stand outside Salford Royal Hospital in Manchester during a minute's silence to pay tribute to the NHS staff and key workers who have diedCredit: PA:Press Association
Fire crews from Cambridge observing the one minute's silence at 11am today
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Fire crews from Cambridge observing the one minute's silence at 11am todayCredit: GEOFF ROBINSON.
Nicola Sturgeon stands outside St Andrew's House in Edinburgh to observe a minute's silence in tribute to the NHS staff and key workers who have died
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Nicola Sturgeon stands outside St Andrew's House in Edinburgh to observe a minute's silence in tribute to the NHS staff and key workers who have diedCredit: PA:Press Association

People could also be allowed to mix with a wider group of friends or family, according to the paper.

A total of 21,092 patients have died in hospital after testing positive for coronavirus in the UK as of 5pm on Sunday, up by 360 from 20,732 the day before.

However, the true number is likely to be significantly higher when deaths outside hospitals are included.

The latest figures on deaths in care homes and the community will be published by the Office for National Statistics on Tuesday.

I am heartened to hear how many people took part in the minute's silence to honour the memory of staff who have tragically died during the pandemic.

Donna Kinnair

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Unison, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal of College of Nursing launched a campaign last week for the nation to take a moment to honour frontline staff who have died during the Covid-19 crisis.

Between them, the organisations represent more than a million NHS and public service workers including porters, refuse collectors and care staff.

On Monday, the PM's official spokesman said: "We will be supporting the minute's silence. We will be asking everybody who works in the Government to take part and we would hope that others will take part nationwide as well."

People observe a minute of silence outside Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London
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People observe a minute of silence outside Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in LondonCredit: EPA
Hospital workers and police officers stand together to observe a nationwide minute's silence at University College Hospital in London
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Hospital workers and police officers stand together to observe a nationwide minute's silence at University College Hospital in LondonCredit: AP:Associated Press
NHS staff observe a silence in honour of key workers who have lost their lives due at NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital in Glasgow
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NHS staff observe a silence in honour of key workers who have lost their lives due at NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital in GlasgowCredit: Reuters
Staff stand outside the Royal Derby Hospital, during a minute's silence to pay tribute to the NHS staff and key workers
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Staff stand outside the Royal Derby Hospital, during a minute's silence to pay tribute to the NHS staff and key workersCredit: PA:Press Association
A police officer observes a minute's silence in honour of key workers who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 at Guy's Hospital in London
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A police officer observes a minute's silence in honour of key workers who have lost their lives due to COVID-19 at Guy's Hospital in LondonCredit: Reuters
A police officer stands outside 10 Downing Street during a minute's silence to pay tribute to NHS workers who have died from coronavirus
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A police officer stands outside 10 Downing Street during a minute's silence to pay tribute to NHS workers who have died from coronavirusCredit: AP:Associated Press
Staff at the QEUH in Glasgow stood outside for a minute's silence for fallen key workers
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Staff at the QEUH in Glasgow stood outside for a minute's silence for fallen key workersCredit: Alan MacGregor Ewing - The Sun Glasgow
The Prime Minister, pictured speaking yesterday, has led the nation in tribute to fallen frontline workers
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The Prime Minister, pictured speaking yesterday, has led the nation in tribute to fallen frontline workersCredit: Dan Charity - The Sun

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