Liverpool’s main civic buildings will be lit blue this evening as the city pays its respects to all those who have died from Covid-19.
Liverpool Town Hall, St George’s Hall and the Cunard Building will be specially illuminated as part of a nation-wide tribute to those lost and all those who have risked their lives to help tackle the pandemic.
The nation is to hold a minute’s silence at 8pm and iconic buildings will be lit up across the country from sundown.
Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, who until yesterday had been shielding at home since the lockdown began on 23 March, paid his tribute ahead of tonight’s commemorations.
Mayor Anderson said: “Since March, almost 600 people have died in Liverpool because of Covid-19 – not to mention all those who have been hospitalised by the virus.
“The pain and suffering this pandemic has caused in our communities is heart-breaking and beyond comprehension.
“This evening we pause to remember all those who have been lost to this cruel virus. As a city our main civic buildings – the Town Hall, St George’s Hall and Cunard – will all be lit blue in remembrance.
“But as we do so, let us also not forget the countless sacrifices people have made in our hospitals, in our care homes and in our communities to support and care for others be they family, friends, neighbours and strangers alike.
“This has been a huge test for us all, but the greatest struggles often bring out the best in humanity. This pandemic has been no exception.
“So yes, this has been a dark episode in our history and it is not yet over. But there is a light – and that light is hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. One in which the countless inspirational tales of courage and selflessness of these past few months teach us all to be better people in future – to appreciate what we have in life and to continue to care and love for each other.
“By following guidelines, you have saved lives and taken pressure off our precious NHS. Please continue to do so.”
Buildings, such as The Spine in Paddington Village – the new northern HQ of The Royal College of Physicians – will also be lit blue tomorrow to mark the 72nd anniversary of the creation of the NHS.
