Streets Fall Silent For Covid Remembrance

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Tuesday 23 March was the anniversary of the first Covid lockdown. At midday, the nation held one minutes silence to remember the dead and the devastation to lives - and our way of life.

The silence, which was well observed with streets falling silent, was also a time to reflect on the effects the illness has had on people's health. And to reflect on how much society has changed in one short year.

On 23 March 2020, 364 people had died from coronavirus. A year later that figure stands at 126,172 and is still rising. Vaccinations and successive lockdowns, along with mask wearing and working at home have all served to reduce the infection rate but there are still fears of another wave in the UK or variant strains that could make vaccines less effective.

Across Europe, where the vaccine rollout has been far slower, new lockdowns are being put in place. The fear of an imminent  new wave is much greater on the continent.

Foreign travel from the UK is all but banned and even should the country unlock fully on 21 June, foreign travel for holidays may still not be allowed.

Silence

Boris Johnson led the minutes silence, with Prince Charles as the Royal most prominent on broadcast TV offering his thanks to all those essential workers who have kept going - and kept the country going - over the past 12 months. As on Remembrance Day, workers at home or safely socially distanced at a place of work were asked to down tools (or phones or keyboards) for a period of quite reflection - and to honour those who have died and those families who have suffered grief. It is estimated that 18 million people will have lost a wider family member.

The Prime Minister said in his speech: “The last 12 months has taken a huge toll on us all and I offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Today, 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.”

21 June

On 22 March, the government set out regulations which will pave the way to the easing of all restrictions from 21 June and proposals to maintain support for the most vulnerable, businesses and public services.

The nation has to meet 4 tests which will allow further unlocking to take place. A full review will be conducted in advance of moving to step 2 of the roadmap which will be 12 April.

From 29 March outdoor gatherings of either 6 people or 2 households will be allowed including in private gardens.

Coronavirus Act

The government has also released details of proposed changes to the Coronavirus Act to be voted on in Parliament on Thursday 24 March with 15 measures to be expired or suspended after the Easter recess as part of the route out of lockdown. Some are expected to be added with particular regards to overseas travel bans - and fines for breaking those bans.

Picture: At midday on 23 March the nation held one minutes silence to remember the coronavirus dead.

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
23rd March 2021

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