Skyscrapers light up showing the slogans to boost the morale of medical workers over Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong, China, April 3, 2020. /VCG
Hong Kong residents clapped their hands and skyscrapers along the Victoria Harbor were illuminated with a special light show Friday night in tribute to emergency workers and medical staff battling with COVID-19 pandemic.
At 7:30 p.m., buildings on both sides of the harbor lighted up in sync, showing various slogans, such as "Salute to the medical workers sticking to their posts," "Clapping for the heroes fighting against the pandemic," "Together we fight the virus," and "Medical staff stay at work, we stay at home."
Initiated by Hong Kong Community Anti-Coronavirus Link, the activity named "Clap for HK" went viral soon with numerous residents participating in to show their support and encouragement to the front line heroes.
A total of 14 commercial premises in Hong Kong's business districts were invited to display words of encouragement for two nights from Friday on the exterior of the buildings, including the International Commerce Center, the city's tallest building.
The Victoria Harbor is a landmark in south China's Hong Kong SAR. /VCG
According to Bunny Chan, the activity's initiator and the Link convener, as coronavirus continues to spread in Hong Kong, frontline workers have been fighting with the pandemic day and night, especially doctors and nurses, who have been under enormous stress.
"We hope that through this activity, we can transmit positive energies and cheer to frontline doctors and nurses, and enhance social harmony," Chan said.
He added that the special half an hour light show on Friday and Saturday also aims to appeal to members of the public to help relieve pressure on the medical staff by maintaining social distancing in addition to boost their morale.
Various departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government, including the Health Department and the Hong Kong Police Forces posted videos on their social media accounts showing their staff clapping for the efforts of medical staff in fighting COVID-19.
Screenshot shows the Hong Kong Police's post on its Facebook page. /Facebook
"Let us give a big round of applause to all healthcare personnel for their tremendous effort in safeguarding our community! Stand together, and we shall prevail over this tough battle against the pandemic!" the Hong Kong Police said on its Facebook page.
In video clips posted by netizens, applause lasting for more than one minute was also heard out of different residential buildings across Hong Kong.
As of Friday, Hong Kong has confirmed 845 coronavirus infections, including four deaths, according to the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health.