Over the last year more than 146,000 people have died from Covid-19 in the UK since the start of the pandemic, 5,488 of those in Wales.
On the evening of March 23rd a number of Cardiff landmarks lit up yellow in memory of those who have sadly lost their lives to Covid-19.
Cardiff Castle, City Hall, and the Scott Memorial at Roath Park lake were illuminated on this significant date, which marks the first anniversary of lockdown restrictions beginning.
Council Leader, Cllr Huw Thomas, said: “One year ago, I don’t think many of us could imagine the scale of what we were all about to endure. Whilst the Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for all of us, for too many families who have lost loved ones, it has been a devastating experience.
“As a society, we will rebuild from the hardship caused by the pandemic and the successful vaccine rollout gives us grounds for hope and optimism, but we can never bring back those who were loved and have been lost. They deserve to be remembered, and it’s important that we take this moment to honour their memory.”
The campaign to light buildings across Wales was organised by Covid-19 Families Wales, a Facebook group set up by families who have lost loved ones during the pandemic. A floral display, in the shape of a yellow heart, the symbol of the group has also been planted in a raised bed, outside Cardiff Castle.
Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Councillor Peter Bradbury, said: “With the vaccination effort progressing I am hopeful that we can soon turn our attention to recovery and renewal, but as we mark one year since lockdown restrictions began, lighting these landmarks yellow is one small way that we, as a city, can pay our respects to the victims of Covid-19.”
Councillor Thomas added: “While the future does look brighter than it has in some time, today should serve as a reminder of the terrible human cost of Covid-19. Coronavirus is still with us, and it is only thanks to the actions of every single person who stayed at home, who kept their distance, that more lives have not been lost.
“Sadly, we cannot bring anybody back, but we can prevent more people from dying and I would urge everyone to continue following the rules, even as they are eased.”
