Today, the UK remembers those who have died with coronavirus, marking one year since the first lockdown began.  Prime minister, Boris Johnson will address the nation this evening.

At noon, a minute’s silence is being held in memory of those who have died and at 8pm people are being encouraged to stand on doorsteps with phones, candles and torches to signify a “Beacon of Remembrance“.  In Wales, more than 100 historic buildings, including the Senedd, Britannia Bridge, Principality Stadium and castles at Caerphilly, Conwy, Caernarfon and I’m A Celebrity’s Gwrych, will be lit in yellow in memory of all those who have lost their lives.

It is one year since the Prime Minister directed the nation to “Stay at home!“.  With over a quarter of a million people in the UK lost to the Coronavirus, the Prime Minister claims the past year has been one of the most difficult in the country’s history. The Prime Minister also praised the “absolutely astonishing achievement” of British scientists and businesses in developing a vaccine and delivering it to half the adult population within a year. Unfortunately, the anniversary coincides with Boris Johnson fighting a diplomatic offensive behind the scenes in a bid to prevent the European Union carrying out a threat to block exports of Coronavirus vaccines to the UK.

From next week – £5,000 fines are set to come in for people who try to holiday abroad.

Vets are warning of a possible link between a new variant of coronavirus and heart problems in cats and dogs after a increase in pets presenting with myocarditis at a specialist veterinary hospital in Buckinghamshire during the pandemic’s second wave.  Read the Guardian‘s full report HERE.

Businesses, theatres and other amenities are cautiously planning their reopening in April and May but the threat of a new variant of the virus and another Lockdown is very real as France and Italy are experiencing a third wave of infection. Germany goes into another Lockdown over Easter.
Public Health England figures show that 11,622 people had been confirmed as testing positive for Covid-19 by 9am on Monday (March 22) in Dorset – an increase from 11,560 the same time on Friday (March 19th).

Many people have died the past year for reasons other than the Coronavirus but the restrictions in place have made the grieving process even more difficult than it would have been. It is a day of Reflection for us all.  Please, be safe and stay safe.

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