Nation remembers Covid-19 victims
THE Queen and Prime Minister have led tributes acknowledging the grief and loss of the past year as the nation fell silent on the anniversary of the first national lockdown. The nation paused at midday in remembrance of those who have died during the crisis as part of a national day of reflection, organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie. The minute’s silence was observed by members of the public, health and care staff and politicians across the UK, with cathedrals and both Houses of Parliament falling silent. It was followed by a bell toll. At 8pm, people stood on their doorsteps with phones, candles and torches to signify a “beacon of remembrance”.
More than 250 organisations supportedthe day of reflection, including 82 leaders from religious groups and cross-party politicians, care organisations, charities, businesses, emergency services, public sector bodies and community groups.
The Queen reflected on the “grief and loss felt by so many” in a message accompanying flowers sent to St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London, where the Duke of Edinburgh had heart surgery. The message read: “As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year.”
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in a private moment of reflection in Westminster Abbey, observing the minute’s silence in the abbey’s Shrine of St Edward the Confessor.
William then lit a candle in remembrance at the altar of the shrine, and Kate placed fresh daffodils next to the candle. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who observed the minute’s silence privately, offered his “sincere condolences” to people bereaved. He said: “The anniversary of the first lockdown is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country’s history. We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year.”
At a Downing Street press conference, he said that “at the right moment” a permanent memorial to those who died from coronavirus would be built and the “whole period” would be commemorated. Hailing the vaccination programme, Mr Johnson added: “Cautiously but irreversibly, step by step, jab by jab, this country is on the path to reclaiming our freedoms.” But he said we had to be “very wary” of the potential for a third wave. According to the latest available data from the Office for National Statistics, across the UK, 149,117 deaths have now occurred where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
To mark the anniversary, London’s skyline turned yellow with landmarks including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium lit up at nightfall. Other notable buildings illuminated include Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall.