Coronavirus medal could be rolled out as early as September 'under Boris Johnson's plans to honour "unsung hero" frontline NHS and care workers'

• Government is believed to be working on plans to create new coronavirus medal 
• Medal likely to be awarded to 'unsung heroes' who have put their lives at risk 
• Medal has widespread political support, could be unveiled as soon as September

Frontline NHS and care workers who have helped saved lives during the coronavirus crisis could soon by awarded a new Covid-19 medal. 

Ministers are said to be considering introducing the medal to formally recognise the contributions made by key workers. 

It is thought the humanitarian medal could be rolled out as soon as September. 

Plans have apparently been circulated to numerous Whitehall departments setting out how the medal could be brought forward. 

Meanwhile, a separate medal is also expected to be created to mark the Queen's platinum jubilee in 2022. 

A similar medal was issued to public servants to mark the Queen's diamond jubilee in 2012. 

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Boris Johnson and the Government believed to be working on plans to introduce a coronavirus medal for frontline NHS and care workers 

All five living former prime ministers, along with the Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle, have backed calls for a coronavirus medal. 

The Government is thought to be keen to formally recognise the contributions made by frontline workers during the pandemic. 

However, it is yet to formally agree on a strategy to do so. 

A Whitehall source told The Sunday Times: 'It's clear the Government is now giving serious consideration to creating a Covid-19 medal and has been consulting on proposals for a medal that will be launched to mark the Queen's platinum jubilee. 

'It means those who have put themselves in harm's way could be recognised within months.'

Boris Johnson has previously said he understands there is a 'huge appetite across the country to say thank you to all all those on the frontline'.

He had said: 'Our current priority and that of the frontline services remains tackling the current public health emergency. 

'I want to provide assurance today, however, that the moment to mark so many extraordinary actions will not be lost.' 

Sources said that a coronavirus medal would likely be used to recognise the 'unsung heroes' of the outbreak. 

The Cabinet Office would not be drawn on the plans for a new medal but a spokesman said any recognition for workers will be 'both timely and appropriate and reflective of the profound gratitude the nation feels towards everyone on the frontline'.