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Watch New Yorkers Applaud Essential Workers From The Rooftops

New Yorkers on Friday evening spent two minutes clapping for essential workers battling the novel coronavirus pandemic on the frontlines.

While observing directives to social distance and stay in their homes, cooped up residents took to rooftops, balconies and open windows to cheer for those who are still hard at work in health care, grocery, sanitation, emergency response and other essential professions.

The show of gratitude was organized via social media, #ClapBecauseWeCare, with the aim of offering encouragement to people — especially tired healthcare workers — who are still going to work despite the threat of COVID-19.

Videos posted to social media illustrate the empowering scene.

Similar movements have been organized in cities around the world, as people look for ways to help in the fight against the virus while being strongly discouraged from leaving their homes or having contact with people not in their households.

As of Friday morning, state officials said confirmed coronavirus cases in New York accounted for at least half of all cases in the United States. Officials believe the disease is still at least three weeks away from its peak.

Photo: Getty Images