How Harborough will remember all those who have sadly died from coronavirus - one year after the first lockdown

Public buildings across Harborough and throughout Leicestershire will lower their flags to half on Tuesday March 23 to remember all those who have sadly died from coronavirus.

People in the region are being encouraged to join the national minute's silence at midday to commemorate the first anniversary of the country’s first national lockdown.

In a short video, police, council and NHS chiefs are joined by the Lord-Lieutenant to salute those have lost their lives to Covid-19.

They will also be thanking everyone helping to combat the killer illness.

You can watch the video at https://youtu.be/NrqKEs3HrtcA year on from Monday March 23, 2020, there have now been over 79,402 cases across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland - and 2,380 people have died.

In the evening, council buildings will be lit up, just as they were during the first lockdown last year.

They are being specially illuminated to thank all key workers - particularly those working in the NHS and in social care.

At 7pm, Leicester Cathedral will host a virtual service of music, readings and reflection.

It will include representatives from NHS, councils, police as well as bereaved families.

For more details, visit http://leicestercathedral.org/events/memorial-of-lament-covid-19/Leicestershire’s Lord-Lieutenant, Mike Kapur, said: "It has been a long, hard 12 months.

“Every one of us has done our bit to fight this disease - thank you all.

“A year on, like many others, I have mixed feelings.

“I am reflecting on lives lost and families grieving, as well as the kindness and hope in our communities."

Cllr Nick Rushton, the leader of Leicestershire County Council, said: "Life was turned on its head last March.

“The tremendous efforts of all key workers - particularly in health, care, police, schools, as well as supermarkets and logistics - have kept us going.

“I want to thank everyone who has worked day and night this year."

Covid lead for Leicestershire Police, Assistant Chief Constable Kerry Smith, said: “I would like to thank everybody who has helped keep communities safe, followed the rules and prevented the spread of the virus in what has been an extremely challenging and tough year for us all personally and professionally.”

Andy Williams, chief executive of the NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “Words cannot really describe the efforts of the health workforce, and volunteers, in facing this pandemic.

“I'm reflecting on lives lost, and all those lives which have been changed, this year.”

He added: “I also want to thank those who’ve helped to vaccinate huge numbers of people so far across the city, county and Rutland.

“Every vaccine given is a symbol of hope and recovery.

“It’s not over yet – but we can look to the future now.”

A tree-lined memorial walk at Leicester’s Watermead Country Park will be opened this spring.

The joint city and county council scheme is being backed by local people and businesses, who supported the memorial walk through a crowdfunding campaign.

The linear walk will provide a place for reflection and remembrance for all those whose lives have been turned upside down by the Covid pandemic.