On the one-year anniversary of the first national lockdown to prevent transmission of COVID-19, Cheshire and Merseyside’s Directors of Public Health have expressed an overwhelming gratitude to local residents and key workers for their contribution, resilience and strength during the past year.
On 23rd March 2020, the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister issued a clear directive via a national broadcast: stay home and save lives. Since then, in order to contain the virus as much as possible, people have courageously followed guidance around staying at home and reducing social contact, and in doing so have made extraordinary sacrifices.
As well as this, many key workers continued to go to work every day to support the country, including health and care workers, many of whom have borne the brunt of the pandemic.
Ian Ashworth, Director of Public Health for Cheshire West and Chester and Chair of Cheshire and Merseyside’s Directors of Public Health Board, said:
“As we reach one year on from the first COVID-19 lockdown, we remember those in our communities that have suffered heartbreak and loss during this time. We have seen some extraordinary sacrifices by colleagues in the health and care system and an amazing response from public health teams, partners and the public.
“The vaccine is allowing a slow return to a more normal way of life but we must remember to follow the rules and keep each other safe as we recover and live with COVID-19.
“On behalf of the Cheshire and Merseyside Directors of Public Health, I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone for their contribution over the past year.”
Today (23rd March 2021), people are encouraged to reflect on the events of the past year, which has claimed over 125,000 lives, and take part in a minute’s silence at 12pm. Those who may be struggling during this significant milestone can access mental health and wellbeing support from Kind to Your Mind, Cheshire and Merseyside’s dedicated mental health hub, by visiting www.kindtoyourmind.org.