A minute’s silence and a national doorstep vigil will form part of a day of reflection to mark the anniversary of the UK’s first Covid lockdown and in remembrance of the people who have died during the coronavirus pandemic.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is backing charity Marie Curie’s plan for Tuesday 23rd March, when those who have died in the pandemic will be remembered.
The first national stay-at-home order was announced by the prime minister on 23rd March 2020 after warning the nation that families would ‘lose loved ones before their time’.
On this date the total number of deaths recorded linked to Covid-19 was 335. There have now been more than 146,487 deaths linked to the virus, according to the latest UK government figures.
Minutes silence
A minute’s silence will be held at 12.00 noon and organisers of the remembrance event, which include Marie Curie, the British Red Cross, the Jo Cox Foundation and Royal Voluntary Service, said the silence would be followed by bells tolling at 12.01pm.
Shine a light at 8pm
People will then be encouraged to shine a light at 8pm on their doorstep or through their window – a candle, a torch, even your phone – to remember someone who’s died and show your support to people going through a bereavement.
Join the conversation and share what you do on social media using the hashtag #DayOfReflection.
Prominent landmarks will also be illuminated up across the country at 8pm.
The prime minister said he would observe the minute’s silence at noon privately. Other senior politicians have given their support to the event, with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford all saying they would take part.
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