Recruitment for the scheme – which aims to support services during the Covid-19 outbreak – has now been paused after an enormous public response saw the initial target tripled. The success of the plan means the biggest call for volunteers in England since the Second World War was answered in days.

The Government launched the appeal last week, looking for 250,000 volunteers to battle the coronavirus crisis and ‘shield’ vulnerable people self-isolating for 12 weeks. Health Secretary Matt Hancock branded the response ‘Britain at its best’.

Those who signed up will help to deliver shopping and medication to those in need, transport patients and NHS equipment, or check in and chat on the phone with self-isolating individuals at risk of loneliness.

Successful applicants received an email telling them they are an NHS Volunteer Responder and ‘can start supporting your community and NHS by assisting with vital requests needed during such a crucial time’.

They were told to download the GoodSAM Responder app and informed they can switch on an ‘On duty’ toggle when they wish to help.

Volunteers whose identities have been verified and who have gone through all the checks will be ‘matched’ to local tasks.

A spokeswoman for the Royal Voluntary Service explained today: ‘Ahead of the anticipated launch next week, a very small number of NHS Volunteer Responders have been matched.

When we do go live, there will be a bigger number of referrals matched in the system and therefore a larger number of volunteers able to step forward into their role as a NHS Volunteer Responder.’

She continued: ‘This will be a gradual and developing process as more healthcare professionals and local authorities refer people who need help in greater numbers.

‘Volunteers delivering tasks will therefore expand in number over the coming days and weeks as demand for their help grows.’

The support comes as Britain recorded its second day of deaths rising above 500.