As we write this short piece in late April 2020, Matt Hancock, the Conservative government’s Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in the United Kingdom, has just announced that the critical care workers during Covid-19 are to be issued with a blue badge. This is a ‘badge of honour’ to mark their commitment to the nation during this pandemic and recognise that they put their lives at risk working at the frontline of the outbreak. Yes, a blue badge. This comes after weeks of national displays of gratitude that began with support for the National Health Service (NHS) and then extended to carers. ‘Clap for carers’ sees neighbours stand on their doorsteps every Thursday at 8 pm, banging pots and pans, sometimes accompanied by supportive police sirens and flashing lights, to show our united public affection for those saving our lives right now during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read full text online at Sage Journals.