Five years on from the start of the COVID pandemic, the UK will mark a nationwide Day of Reflection.
The deadly virus shut down the world after it began to spread from Wuhan in China at the beginning of 2020.
Between March 2020 and July 2022, an estimated 180,000 people died after contracting COVID in England and Wales, according to figures published by The King’s Fund thinktank.
To commemorate the unprecedented period, an annual day of reflection was one of 10 recommendations set out by the UK Commission on COVID Commemoration back in 2023.
This year, events around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have been organised by local councils and community groups to mark the fifth anniversary.
Here is everything you need to know about the day, and how to get involved.
What is the Day of Reflection and when is it?
This year’s COVID Day of Reflection is on Sunday, 9 March.
The UK government said the day will be an opportunity for the public to remember those who lost their lives, as well as reflect on the impact the virus had on daily lives, and pay tribute to all frontline workers.
What events are going on?
Governments and local councils from across the four nations have announced they are taking part in the Day of Reflection.
In London, a procession is planned along the National COVID Memorial Wall in Westminster.
Also in the capital, special evensong services will be held at St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, which will include readings, music, and prayers. The event at St Paul’s is for ticket-holders only.
At Euston station, a minute’s silence will be held at midday.
An invite-only event is also planned to take place at the National Memorial Arboretum near Lichfield, Staffordshire. Author and poet Michael Rosen will speak at the event and soprano Lesley Garrett will perform.
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In Wales, the yellow heart memorial, made up of yellow stones on the side of a mountain in the village of Bwlch, will be restored, while families who lost loved ones during the pandemic will gather to plant trees in the Ynys Hywel COVID memorial woodland.
In Scotland, a wreath will be laid at the memorial bench behind Pollock House in Glasgow followed by a release of doves. In the northern town of Wick, a film documenting how people in the Scottish Highlands experienced the pandemic will be premiered.
In Northern Ireland, Belfast City Hall will light up yellow to remember those lost during the pandemic.
A reflection concert will also be held at 2 Royal Avenue in the city centre, where singers from The National Lottery Community Fund, Belfast Rock Choir and 11-year-old social media sensation Isla Loves will perform.
Numerous grief support groups have also been set up in locations across the country.
A full list of planned events can be found on the government website here.
What has the government said?
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the Day of Reflection is an “opportunity to remember the friends and loved ones that we lost, as well as the sacrifices that so many people made”.
She said people could take part by attending or organising a community event, or remembering in their own way at home.
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Chair of the COVID Commemoration Commission Baroness Morgan of Cotes added: “As each year passes since the height of the pandemic it can feel as if COVID is more and more of a distant memory.
“And yet I know from the conversations the UK COVID Commemoration Commissioners had, that those who lost loved ones appreciate a day when many others will also remember those who lost their lives with them.”
