COVID-19: Salisbury marks National Day of Reflection
Today marks a year since the UK first went into lockdown
Last updated 23rd Mar 2021
To mark the anniversary of the first Covid lockdown Salisbury is backing a national day of reflection organised by the Marie Curie charity.
Plans for today include a minute's silence at 12noon to remember everyone who has died during the pandemic which will be observed on Greatest Hits Radio Salisbury.
Salisbury Cathedral will mark the day of reflection by streaming live prayers at midday with a one-minute silence.
Leading up to the first year anniversary of the first lockdown, Salisbury Cathedral lit 1,000 candles to spell a message of Hope.
The candles were laid in the South Transept, the same space where thousands have been vaccinated.
Today, people are then being encouraged to get involved in a doorstep vigil by lighting candles from 8pm and leaving them on their doorsteps.
HUGE LOSS
As of 22nd March 2021, there had been a total of 126,000 deaths recorded within 28 days of a Covid-19 positive test across the UK.
912 people have lost their lives in Wiltshire.
Government stats show there have been 646 deaths in the Wiltshire Council area and 266 in the Swindon Borough Council area.
In the New Forest District Council area 292 people have died and in the Test Valley so far there have been 195 losses.
IMMENSE PRESSURE ON OUR HOSPITAL
210 people have sadly passed away at Salisbury District Hospital with Covid 19.
Staff there have been under immense pressure with almost 190 patients being treated at the peak of the second wave.
Exhausted staff have also had to cope with patients with other critical conditions.
Chief Executive of the Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust ,Stacey Hunter says it's important to take time today to remember those who are grieving.
"Today is a time to remember all those we have lost over the last year and to express our deepest sympathy to their families and friends. Behind every death is a family who may not have been able to say a proper goodbye or grieve because of COVID restrictions."
CATHEDRAL: BEACON OF HOPE
Every area of life has felt the impact of the pandemic. Salisbury Cathedral was forced to close its doors to worshippers and visitors again when the third national lockdown was announced in January but it hasn't stood idle, instead, it has been turned into a vaccination centre.
Thousands of local people have received their life-saving jab there accompanied by organ music.
The Very Revd Nicholas Papadopulos, Dean of Salisbury said:
"This anniversary comes as we approach Holy Week and Easter, when we recall the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and give thanks for the life that we share. Today we will pause at midday to remember those who have died, those who have lost loved ones, those whose lives have been irrevocably changed, and those who have worked hard to fight the pandemic. The vaccination programme administered by the local NHS team in the Cathedral, in the city and across the Diocese has given us cause to hope - and we must hold fast to that hope."
STRUGGLE FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES
It's also been one of the toughest times for local businesses many of whom have had to close their doors and focus on online sales.
Robin McGowan, Chief Executive of Salisbury BID says whilst it is important to reflect today we must also look to the future;
"For many of our businesses the last year has been a struggle but owners have shown great resilience and tenacity by adapting and diversifying their offerings. Today is a day of reflection but it is also a time to look ahead and be optimistic about the future. Many non-essential businesses will begin to reopen in April and Salisbury BID is working to make sure the city is ready for the welcome return of residents and visitors. It will be time to experience Salisbury again soon."