Ground’s jab centre falls silent for reflection

STAFF, VOLUNTEERS and members of the public fell silent at the Elland Road vaccination centre to remember those who have lost their lives during the Covid pandemic.

A minute’s silence was held across the UK at lunchtime yesterday, a year on from the country entering its first of three lockdowns.

Penny McSorley, director of nursing for the Leeds Covid-19 vaccination programme which oversees the centres, inset, said: “It was important for us to take a moment to reflect on the past year and to take part in the one minute’s silence.

“This has been an incredibly difficult year for everyone, we have all lost loved ones and colleagues, and the work of the vaccination centre and the wider vaccination programme has collectively given us a purpose and hope.

“I would like to thank all the staff from our health and social care partners across Leeds for their hard work and dedication in the rollout of the vaccine programme in Leeds.

“They have worked tirelessly to ensure that we deliver vaccine to as many citizens as we can in the city.”

Yesterday the Elland Road centre was on target to provide more than 2,000 vaccination jabs to those turning up for pre-arranged appointments. Prime Minister Boris Johnson offered his “sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones” and praised the “great spirit” displayed ahead of the nation pausing in remembrance.

And at 8pm last night millions took on their doorsteps with candles, torches and lights as the Marie Curie cancer charity encouraged the country to hold a second minute’s silence and “come together to light up the night”.

In Leeds, people are being encouraged to stand on their doorsteps or at their windows and ‘light up the night’, shining phones, candles or torches to remember someone who has died.

Civic buildings will be lit up in yellow throughout the evening to show support to people going through bereavement.

Earlier in the day Leeds Bereavement Forum ran a virtual death café between 11am and 12.15pm to provide a dedicated space to encourage discussion about death and bereavement for those who needed to talk.

Leeds City Council leader Councillor James Lewis said: “There’s absolutely no doubt that Covid-19 has had an enormous impact on all our lives.

“There are still tough times ahead, as the death toll continues to rise.

“This annual day will give us all time to pause and think about this unprecedented loss we’re facing, and support each other through grief in the days ahead.”