Preston and Lancashire urged to join day of reflection one year on from Covid lockdown starting

People are being urged to stand outside with a light to remember loved ones lost during the pandemic. Pic: Pixabay

Tomorrow (Tuesday, 23 March) marks the one year anniversary since England first went into lockdown in response to the pandemic.

Since then, Covid-19 had led to the deaths of over 4,000 people across Lancashire.

At midday on Tuesday, a host of organisations throughout the Lancashire Resilience Forum will observe a minute silence in honour of those who have died, and to reflect on the challenges we have overcome during these dark times.

Then at 8pm, residents will be encouraged to stand outside with a light – a candle, a torch or even your phone – to remember someone who has died and to show support to the bereaved.

Alternatively, residents can shine a light in their windows for locals to see.

In Lancashire, several landmarks will also be lit up yellow in memory of all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19.

County Hall in Preston, home of Lancashire County Council, will be lit up, while its flag will be flying at half-mast.

The National Day of Reflection has been initiated by end of life charity Marie Curie.

Angie Ridgwell, chair of the Lancashire Resilience Forum and chief executive of Lancashire County Council, has paid tribute to the many people who have lost their lives to Covid-19.

She is also reminding people to not let complacency creep in, as we enter a critical point in the pandemic.

She said: “The pandemic has brought a lot of things into perspective.

“For many, we have learned to really make the most of the time we have with our loved ones, be it on Zoom, Facetime, the phone, or other creative and safe ways we have found.

“So many people have been taken from us far too soon and my thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.

“Many sacrifices have been made by the people of Lancashire to prevent even more people falling victim to coronavirus, and for that, I want to say thank you.

“I also want to implore people not to let your guard down now.

“As the lockdown eases and we begin returning to some form of normality, we must remember that there are still risks, especially from new variants.

“Please embrace the new freedoms and remain vigilant – the mantra of hands, face, space will remain a vital tool to help keep the virus at bay.

“Covid will likely stay with us for some time, but please hold on that community spirit, and remember, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

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