Landmarks across Liverpool turned blue on Thursday night to thank dedicated NHS staff working during the coronavirus crisis.
Buildings in the city centre and beyond joined in with the tribute to the National Health Service and the front line staff who have been working tirelessly to fight the COVID-19 virus and look after patients.
The Cunard Building, Liver Building, Town Hall, Liverpool One and St George's Hall were among those involved.
Stunning images of the lights showed Merseyside's solidarity with our hard working health care providers who have stepped up to support the country during the unprecedented pandemic.
The Light It Blue initiative is a UK wide salute to the NHS during this challenging, unprecedented times around the UK and globe.
The campaign was inspired by the NHS Clap For Our Carers campaign, wanting to create a simultaneous show of support and invite cities to illuminate landmarks and historic buildings.
After the NHS Clap for our Carers campaign went viral, people all over the UK took part in the 8pm activity, from their doorsteps, balconies or windows of their homes in a unifying message of support.
Liverpool was among the cities that erupted in applause, with police and celebrities among those joining in.
The tributes came just a short time after it was announced that the death toll in the UK had risen again to 578 people - including a third Merseyside patient.
Thousands more had also tested positive for coronavirus as the outbreak continues to sweep the globe.
An NHS statement also confirmed that 521 of those deaths were in England alone.
Patients were between 32 and 102 years old and all but two patients, aged between 71 and 86 years of age, had underlying health conditions.
Their families have been informed.
A spokesperson for the NHS also confirmed that a third Merseyside patient has also died from coronavirus within the Wirral University Teaching Hospital Trust.
The Department of Health also confirmed that it is changing the way it reports deaths related to the virus.
This means that the figures released yesterday are not directly comparable to today, as they did not cover a full 24 hour period.
In a statement, the government body said: "We've revised our reporting approach to help ensure we provide more timely updates going forward.
"The reporting time period for deaths will be changed.
"To ensure data can be verified and published in a timely, consistent way, we are moving to a new system for publication of deaths.
"The latest figures counted from the previous day (for a period from 5pm-5pm) will be published at 2pm the following day.
"Yesterday’s figures did not cover a full 24 hour period while we adjust to the new system.
"These figures comprised the period from 9am 24 March to 5pm on 24 March. Figures issued today are recorded as of 5pm 24 March to 5pm 25 March.
"Going forwards, figures on deaths will be recorded for the 24 hour period as of 5pm the previous day. Figures on tests remain as of the 24 hour period from 9am that day.
"We're working hard with colleagues at Public Health England and NHS England to provide you with reliable and timely data."
