It’s hard to put one’s self in another’s shoes.
But can’t help wondering... NHS workers, stressed to breaking point and struggling to sleep... Of all the things that might awaken them, from the dawn chorus of birds in the trees to nightmares reliving the past day’s events, would the sound of distant applause be so unwelcome even if it momentarily awakened them?
I guess it’s possible, but I’ve not heard any of them say it is the case. Personally, I’ll continue, until the care workers themselves show the slightest hint that they’d like me to stop.
Fireworks of course are another matter. People who set off excessively loud ones anytime, or even normal fireworks anytime other than Guy Fawkes night, should receive compulsory training on acceptable British tradition and cultural habits. But that is true regardless of the threat from SARS-CoV-2.