Calderdale is paying tribute to all the residents who have sadly lost their lives as a result of COVID-19, to mark the one-year anniversary of the first local cases of the virus and the first national lockdown.
On Tuesday 23 March 2021 – a year on from the first day of lockdown and followed shortly by the first tragic deaths in Calderdale from COVID-19 – Calderdale Council will fly the Union flag at half-mast at Halifax Town Hall as a mark of respect. People throughout the borough are invited to join a one-minute silence at 12noon that day to commemorate everyone who has faced the devastating impact of COVID-19.
This is an opportunity for communities to jointly remember and pay respect to everyone in Calderdale who has passed away due to COVID-19; to show sympathy to all those who have experienced loss and been affected by the pandemic; and to say thank you for the sacrifices that so many people have made.
A commemorative event will take place at Halifax Minster, where candles will be lit to honour each of the 325* lives that have been tragically lost as a result of COVID-19. The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Dot Foster, will join local faith and community leaders to light the candles.
For COVID-safety reasons, it is not possible for the public to attend the event, but it will be available to watch as part of a commemorative film on Tuesday 23 March from 11.45am, in the run-up to the minute’s silence at 12noon. The film will be on Calderdale Council’s Twitter and Facebook pages and on its YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/00BCO7AS3OA(external link)
The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Dot Foster, said:
“The last 12 months have been incredibly difficult. We have all felt the impact of the pandemic in some way, and many have faced the added heartbreak of losing family members, friends, neighbours or colleagues.
“Although it’s still not possible for communities to gather to pay our respects, I will be leading the lighting of special candles at the Minster on behalf of the entire borough, passing on our deepest condolences and thoughts to everyone affected and remembering all those who have sadly lost their lives.”
Cllr Tim Swift, Leader of the Council, said:
“The anniversary of the first local cases of COVID-19 and the first national lockdown is a time to pay tribute to the many lives tragically lost. A time to reflect on the widespread devastation and sacrifice, but also on the kindness and resilience that make Calderdale so special. A time to say thank you to all the residents who continue to look out for each other; our amazing health and care workers who always go above and beyond; the volunteers, key workers, businesses and community groups who put themselves at risk to help others; the schools that keep our children and young people educated; and countless others who are all playing a part in Calderdale’s remarkable fight against this terrible virus.
“The vaccine programme and the cautiously optimistic roadmap out of lockdown bring hope and light at the end of the tunnel. Whilst cases remain high in Calderdale, we must all keep up the great joint work to protect each other as we look ahead to brighter days.”
Partnership work continues across Calderdale to help control COVID-19, such as engaging with and supporting communities, particularly in areas with high infection rates; increasing and improving access to testing; ensuring that those most at risk from COVID-19 are offered a vaccine; carrying out local contact tracing; supporting people to enable them to self-isolate; engaging with businesses and helping them to be COVID-secure; and enforcing COVID-19 restrictions where necessary.
Everyone can play their part by staying at home and avoiding contact, wearing a face covering unless they are medically exempt, and self-isolating if they test positive or are a contact.
For up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19, use trusted sources such as:
www.gov.uk/coronavirus(external link)