People in Monklands and across the UK will pause to remember those who have died and been bereaved during the coronavirus pandemic on the first anniversary of lockdown being declared.
A minute’s silence will take place at 12 noon on March 23, and a campaign championed by Airdrie minister Rev Robbie Hamilton will see candles lit in windows and people pausing for reflection at 7pm.
North Lanarkshire’s headquarters will also be among the public buildings across the country to be illuminated in yellow to mark one year since the initial “stay at home” instruction at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, NHS Lanarkshire chief executive Heather Knox praised “the fortitude of residents and colleagues” during the past year.
Scotland has seen more than 7500 coronavirus deaths since the start of the pandemic, with 671 deaths in North Lanarkshire being recorded within 28 days of a positive Covid-19 test.
The local authority area has seen 20,740 positive cases to date; while more than 250,000 people across the NHS Lanarkshire area have now received their first vaccination dose.
Ms Knox said: “My overwhelming impression of the past 12 months is the unceasing dedication of NHS Lanarkshire staff in the face of this unprecedented challenge, coupled with the fantastic support the public has given us by following the guidance to ensure the health service was never overwhelmed.
“My thoughts also turn to all those families across Lanarkshire and beyond who have suffered the loss of loved ones; and of course, we remember the loss of our own member of staff, Kirsty Jones.
“Lanarkshire has been among the areas of Scotland most affected by this horrible virus, with nearly 39,000 cases in our health board area to date; that number would have been much higher had it not been for the unswerving patience and sacrifice of the community, who saw their NHS change so much in the last year.
“The people of Lanarkshire have shown endless understanding and my magnificent colleagues have worked harder than ever before, pushing through tiredness and the emotional toll they’ve faced daily.
“Our staff have been wonderful and I have been amazed every day of the last year to witness their commitment – many have stepped into unfamiliar roles including the difficult environment of intensive care and to support the enormous logistical challenge of our vaccination programme.”
She added: “I hope we’re all starting to feel more optimistic now that the vaccination programme is beginning to show a positive effect, but we’re not out of the woods yet – our intensive care units are still under increased pressure, for example, so it’s vital that we all continue to follow the FACTS guidance to protect our NHS.”
New Wellwynd minister Rev Hamilton first began holding a weekly moment of reflection early in the pandemic and had campaigned for a national event to mark the anniversary of lockdown being declared.
The “Light for Lives” initiative which he launched has gained support from faith groups and online, asking people to light a candle in their windows at 7pm on March 23.
He told the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser this week: “It’s really good that the national silence will be taking place; it’s a significant moment and the country coming together will be significant, so I’m really encouraged by it.
“It goes hand in hand with lighting candles, as that’s something tangible that people can do when they’re at home together that evening, and it’s been good to see it gain momentum.
“When the UK first reached 10,000 deaths last year I’d first said we should be doing something to mark that, and people have really taken notice and remembering and reflecting on all that’s happened has gained momentum for the anniversary.”
The special lighting-up of the Civic Centre in yellow is part of a memorial campaign promoting the national day of reflection, led by charity Marie Curie and more than 100 other organisations and which they hope will become an annual event.
It includes the minute’s silence at 12 noon and a doorstep vigil at 8pm, where people are asked to “take candles and lights out on to their street for a minute’s remembrance” honouring all those who have died in the past year, and their loved ones.
Marie Curie officials said: “Millions of people have been bereaved, many unable to properly say goodbye to loved ones or grieve with the support of friends and family.
“This crisis has also shone a light on the courage, resilience and solidarity of the nation – people have put their normal lives on hold for the good of the many and we trust an annual day of reflection will continue to support those who need it most.”
