MADRID, May 18 (Xinhua) -- Spaniards dedicated the last round of a nationwide applause to health workers in Spain on Sunday evening, praising their efforts to save lives during the COVID-19 epidemic as infections drop in the country.
The end of the daily homage came at the request of health workers, who saw the number of people who were clapping had fallen over the past couple of weeks after the Spanish government allowed adults over 14 years old to go outside for exercise during limited time periods.
Since March 14, many people in Spain have been taking to their balconies and opening their windows to clap for health service workers almost every day.
That tradition continued for 64 consecutive nights as Spain suffered a pandemic which has seen over 27,000 deaths. Over 50,000 health workers have been infected with COVID-19 and over 70 have lost their lives.
Heath workers decided to ask for a "dignified" end to the homage with "the best and the longest applause" on Sunday, while raising awareness of the need to follow the rules to stop the coronavirus from spreading.
"We want a dignified end and not to let the applause die bit by bit. This Sunday at 8 p.m., we are going to give the best and the longest homage from out balconies to all of the people who work in the health sector and the other sectors who have given their work and efforts to protect us and beat this pandemic," said journalist Carme Chaparro on social media.
Meanwhile, health workers interviewed on Spanish television network RTVE had a clear message "the best homage you can give us is to follow the advice, follow the social distancing regulations, and stay safe to help make our jobs easier." Enditem
