Today marks one year since Boris Johnson said “stay at home” TV address to the nation, the prime minister claims the past year has been one of the most difficult in the country’s history.
At noon, across the UK, a minute’s silence is being held in memory of those who have died and at 8pm people are being encouraged to stand on doorsteps with phones, candles and torches to signify a “beacon of remembrance”.
As of March 22, the UK has tragically lost 126,172 people to coronavirus, since testing started 4.3 million people have been recorded as positive and 454,085 people hospitalised.
Of these deaths, the known number from the Turkish Speaking Community is thought to be 362 but the actual figures are believed to be much higher.
On what is being called a national day of reflection, organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie, Johnson has said he will observe the minute’s silence privately. It will also be held in the Houses of Parliament.
Marking the anniversary, the PM said: “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.