Colchester Mayor encourages residents to unite to join national day of reflection

Residents across the borough are being encouraged to unite to remember the more than 140,000 people who have died nationally during the Covid-19 pandemic as part of a special day of reflection next week.

The Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Robert Davidson, is calling on people to join him in taking part in a one-minute silence at midday on Tuesday 23 March as part of the national day of reflection being promoted by a number of charities. Due to the national lockdown, the Mayor and Mayoress will be marking the silence at home.

As well as observing the minutes silence people are also being encouraged to light up their doorsteps at 8pm that night and prominent buildings and landmarks will also be illuminated across the UK. Tuesday 23 March marks the first anniversary of the country going into lockdown.

Cllr Davidson said: “This has been a year like no other and the lives of everyone in Colchester has been affected by Covid-19 in some shape or form.

“Sadly, more than 140,000 people across the UK have lost their lives after being tested positive with Covid, and over four million have tested positive. In Colchester we have unfortunately had 388 deaths and more than 11,110 cases during the pandemic.

“Although we cannot be together on this first and poignant anniversary, I am sure we can come together in mind during the minutes silence to reflect on the last year and remember those who have died and the friends and families they have left behind.

At this time, we should also remember the fantastic NHS staff who have gone above and beyond during the pandemic. We should also pay tribute to the work of our council staff, all key workers and the wide range of voluntary organisations and other partners who we have worked with to help provide our residents, communities and businesses with the support they have needed.

“Colchester has very strong community bond. This strength has been tested over the last year and only got stronger. While we can see a light at the end of the tunnel, we need to continue to work together to fight this disease and the impact it has on all our lives.”