We owe our healthcare workers a lifetime of gratitude as they work on the frontline of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

National Health Service (NHS) workers in the UK are working flat out to care for patients affected by coronavirus, risking their own health to do so.

McDonald's and Pret have announced that they will be providing free drinks to frontline services working to keep communities safe right now.

In the UK and Ireland, McDonalds is offering emergency services staff and health and social care workers free drinks at all branches or Drive Thrus.

At UK Pret branches, anyone who works for the NHS will be able to have free hot drinks at any Pret branch. They will also be entitled to a 50 percent discount on all other purchases. The offer is valid from March 18 to 31. Per the terms and conditions, staff need to show their NHS Staff ID at the till to receive their free drink.

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In a statement emailed to Mashable, Pret's CEO Pano Christou said, "The Pret family and the whole world are in uncharted territory, and it is important that we show solidarity and stand by each other in this difficult time.

"I had my eldest son, who has asthma, in tears earlier this week and we’re all seeing the impact on our friends and families. The teams on the frontline of the NHS are doing an extraordinary job and deserve all our support through this crisis. Hopefully this small step helps brighten their day."

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In a statement emailed to Mashable, a McDonald's spokesperson said, "This offer is a token of our appreciation for the tireless work that these professionals are carrying out in the communities in which we operate."

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The offer will remain in place as long as government guidance allows McDonald's restaurants to stay open. "We will continually review this offer to ensure it does not create any challenges particularly as the health authorities and government guidance surrounding COV-19 continues to evolve," the spokesperson continued. McDonald's is rolling out contactless services in an effort to keep staff and customers safe in branches.

In the UK the offer applies to emergency service workers, health and social care workers who can receive any drink including cold drinks and McCafé Hot Drinks. All you have to do is show your valid NHS, HSE, Council, or emergency service work passes. No additional purchase is necessary. In the Republic of Ireland, the offer applies to Health Service Executive (HSE) and emergency services staff. In Ireland, the offer entitles you to a free McCafé hot drink.

"We want to use our UK and Ireland footprint to thank, reward, and support the health and care workers doing an incredible job in difficult and unprecedented times," the McDonald's spokesperson continued.

Every little bit helps.

TopicsHealthCOVID-19