Yellow lights and silence as nation reflects on pandemic toll

BUILDINGS AND landmarks across the Yorkshire region will light up in yellow on Tuesday to mark a year since the first lockdown began as part of a nationwide Day of Reflection.

A minute’s silence will be held at midday to remember the 125,000 people across the UK whose deaths were linked to coronavirus.

People will be able to light a candle or pray in York

Minster, and Selby Abbey will be lit in yellow to mark the anniversary.

Churches are encouraged to toll their bells at midday in memory of the dead, and the public can join in a doorstep vigil with a lit candle at 8pm.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “As we look back on the sorrows and difficulties of the past year and remember those who have died and those who have suffered so much, we also give thanks for the care we have received through our health service, but also in many other ways, not least the care we have been able to show each other in our local communities. On this day of national reflection and remembrance we pray for a more just and caring world beyond the horrors of Covid.”

At Askham Bar vaccination centre in York, the “tent of hope” where over 100,000 injections have been given will be illuminated at 8.30pm and volunteers will surround the tent holding yellow and blue glowsticks.

The roof of York Hospital will also be lit up, as well as a memory tree at St Leonard’s Hospice. The University of Leeds will also light up its Parkinson Building.

The Day of Reflection is spearheaded by the Marie Curie charity, which is organising a virtual service on the day featuring Yorkshireborn actor Jim Carter.

Marie Curie’s chief executive, Matthew Reed, said: “We need to mark the huge amount of loss we’ve seen this year and show support for everyone who has been bereaved in the most challenging of circumstances – be that from Covid or any other cause.

“We are inviting everyone to join together on March

23 to reflect, remember and celebrate the lives of everyone who has died during these challenging times – from Covid-19 as well as other causes.”