Mansfield and Ashfield urged to fall silent to mark first anniversary of lockdown

A minute’s silence is taking place at noon – a year since the country was placed into a strict lockdown due to the spread of Covid-19.

Since then, hundreds of thousands of people have died and residents are urged to use the minute’s silence to remember those who have lost their lives.

In Nottinghamshire there have been 83,997 Covid-19 cases in total, with 2,348 deaths in the county within 28 days of a positive test – while in Mansfield there have been 274 fatalities in the past 12 months. In Ashfield, 312 people have tragically died from coronavirus.

This evening, the nation will also stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with candles, torches or using the light on a phone to share a beacon of support in these incredibly tough times.

Prominent buildings and iconic landmarks will also light up across the UK to mark the anniversary.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he will be marking the minute of silence privately.

"This has been an incredibly difficult year for our country,” he said.

"My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, and who have not been able to pay tribute to them in the way they would have wanted.

"As we continue to make progress against the virus, I want to thank people for the sacrifices they continue to make, and hope they can look forward to being reunited with loved ones as restrictions are cautiously eased."

Mansfield District Council will be live streaming the silence at noon on its Facebook page and will also be lighting a candle to remember those who have lost their lives to the virus.

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