The Queen will recognise workers who played a key role in the coronavirus pandemic when her annual birthday honours list is published next month.
The list, which was due to be published in June, was postponed in order to add nominations for people playing key roles in the pandemic and will now be released on Oct. 10.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “As we all redouble our efforts to control the virus, protect the NHS and save lives this winter, I am pleased we have an opportunity to recognise those who have given so much to this country already.
“The coronavirus pandemic is the greatest health challenge in our lifetime.
“We all have to play our part, but the dedication, courage and compassion seen from these recipients, be it responding on the front line or out in their communities providing support to the most vulnerable, is an inspiration to us all.
“We owe them a debt of gratitude and the 2020 Queen’s Birthday honours will be the first of many occasions where we can thank them as a nation”.
This year’s bumper list follows the Prime Minister’s call in May for nominations for those going over and above in response to the pandemic.
As the first list to incorporate COVID-19 nominations during the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 Queen’s Birthday list has prioritised frontline and community heroes. These recipients, like Captain Sir Tom Moore, are outstanding examples of the contributions which still being made right across the UK, and are symbolic of the ongoing, collective national effort.
