As the UK marks five years since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, families and communities across the country came together to remember their loved ones who lost their lives during this difficult time.
As the UK marks five years since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, families and communities across the country came together to remember their loved ones who lost their lives during this difficult time. The day was filled with emotional scenes as people gathered at various events to pay their respects and reflect on the impact of the pandemic.
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a pandemic on March 11, 2020.
As of 2023, COVID-19 has infected over 600 million people worldwide and resulted in more than 6 million deaths.
Symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets, contact with contaminated surfaces, and airborne spread.
Former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen spoke at a memorial event in Staffordshire, recalling his own experience of being rushed to hospital with Covid-19 and placed into an induced coma. He said: ‘Thanks to the expertise and care I received, I came through, but I look back over my shoulder and think of those who didn’t.‘ Rosen’s words were a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of the pandemic on families and communities.
Michael Rosen is a renowned British author, poet, and broadcaster.
Born on May 7, 1946, he has written over 140 books for children and adults.
His notable works include 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt' and 'Dear Hillage'.
Rosen has received numerous awards, including the Children's Laureate title in 2007-2009.
He is known for his engaging storytelling style and ability to tackle complex issues through accessible language.
The annual day of reflection is one of the recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration. It provides an opportunity for people to come together and remember their loved ones, as well as reflect on the lessons learned from the pandemic. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘As we mark five years since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, I know for many there is deep grief and loss that may never be relieved.‘
The UK Commission on COVID-19 Commemoration was established to ensure that the nation's response to the pandemic is properly remembered and commemorated.
The commission aimed to provide a framework for recognizing the sacrifices made by healthcare workers, families, and individuals affected by COVID-19.
It also sought to document the government's actions and decisions during the crisis.
The commission's work included gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and producing reports on key aspects of the pandemic response.
In London, a Highland piper led a memorial walk along the Thames, accompanied by bereaved relatives and well-wishers. The event included a choir song, a water cannon salute from a London Fire Brigade fireboat, and a minute’s silence after the chimes of Big Ben. At the National Covid Memorial Wall, people passed 3,000 photographs of those who died, representing just over 1% of the total death toll in the UK.
Lynn Jones remembered her ‘fit and healthy‘ husband Gareth, who died after spending seven weeks in hospital battling the virus on his own. She said: ‘The Covid wall is an expression of so many emotions – rage, love, grief, pain, and unbearable sadness.‘ Sisters Colette Woodall, Julie Harvey, and Jacquie McEvoy travelled from their homes to pay their respects to their mother Joan Aspinall, who died in September 2021.
Mary Kedward, a retired nurse, reflected on her role helping out during the pandemic at Cambridge’s Royal Papworth Hospital. She said: ‘Vaccinating people in the Welsh valleys was the best bit – talking to the housebound as they hadn’t seen people for months.‘ Kedward added that her mother died of Covid-19 in a care home, and she did not have a proper funeral.
In Glasgow, a choir sang and a poem was read to take people into a minute’s silence. Doves were released, and a wreath was laid, along with individual yellow roses being left in memory of loved ones. Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney sent his ‘deepest condolences‘ to those who lost loved ones during the pandemic.
The day of reflection is a time to remember that behind every statistic, there is a person. For every family member and community affected, we reflect on their pain, their love, and their enduring grief. As Connie McCready, co-founder of Covid-19 families Scotland, said: ‘This day of reflection is a time to remember the people who have been lost, and to support those who are still grieving.‘
