Minute of silence at noon on Tuesday for all NI victims of Covid-19

The general public are being asked to participate in a minute of silence at noon on Tuesday, to remember those lost to Covid-19 and their bereaved families.
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Both Arlene Foster and Michelle O’Neill are backing the idea as part of a general “day of reflection”, led by anti-cancer group Marie Curie.

Both the first and deputy first minister will observe the minute of silence, and at 8pm the public are asked to stand outside and shine a light (or put up a colourful poster or flowers at your home to mark the day).

Marie Curie also asks the public to “take a moment to connect “ by writing a letter or email to somebody who might appreciate it.

Titanic Belfast will be among the buildings illuminated on Tuesday's anniversaryTitanic Belfast will be among the buildings illuminated on Tuesday's anniversary
Titanic Belfast will be among the buildings illuminated on Tuesday's anniversary

On the evening of March 23, 2020, Boris Johnson had told the nation: “From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction – you must stay at home.”

According to the NI Statistics and Research Agency, around 18,000 deaths have occurred in Northern Ireland in the past year, with just under 2,900 being linked to Covid (although Nisra has a less strict way of counting Covid fatalities than the Department of Health, which lists just over 2,100 Covid-linked deaths).

Mrs Foster said: “As we mark the anniversary of the UK’s response to Covid-19 with the first lockdown, I’m supporting Marie Curie’s call for a moment on reflection.”

She said it is her way “of showing my respect to those who have lost loved ones and to all who are going through difficult times just now”.

Joan McEwan, head of policy at Marie Curie NI, said “prominent buildings and iconic landmarks will also light up across NI, including Titanic Belfast, Belfast City Hall, Enniskillen Castle and the Guildhall in Derry/Londonderry”.

For more, see: www.mariecurie.org.uk/dayofreflection

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