UK Marks Second Anniversary of First CCP Virus National Lockdown

As Britain held a minute's silence to remember the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the second anniversary of the country's first lockdown, flowers are laid at Westminster Bridge in London on March 23, 2022. Tolga Akmen /AFP via Getty Images

Britain is commemorating the second anniversary of the first national lockdown during the CCP virus pandemic.

A series of events have been organised by the end-of-life charity Marie Curie to mark the National Day of Reflection. A minute’s silence was held at midday, and people are being encouraged to shine a light or display flowers in their window at 8 p.m.

Landmarks across the UK will be lit up in yellow, including the Gherkin in the City of London, the Senedd in Cardiff, Glasgow Central Station, and Belfast City Hall.

As Britain held a minute's silence to remember the victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the second anniversary of the country's first lockdown, pedestrians stop to look at the National COVID Memorial Wall in London on March 23, 2022. Tolga Akmen /AFP via Getty Images

On March 23, 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered a country-wide lockdown in an attempt to curb the spread of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which was first detected in the Chinese city of Wuhan and caused the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since then, England has undergone three national lockdowns and a wave of “tiered” regional lockdowns, resulting in numerous job losses and the permanent shutdown of many businesses. Schools were shut for months on end, with exams cancelled for two consecutive years. For months, attending events and protests was also outlawed, as was meeting with friends and family.

Johnson, who is marking this momentous anniversary privately, offered his sympathies to everyone bereaved by the virus.

He said: “Those lost to COVID will never be out of our hearts and minds, and today we reflect as a nation.”

The prime minister said the National Day of Reflection is “a chance to come together, mourn, and offer our collective support and sympathies to all those grieving.”

He also paid tribute to the “heroic efforts” of medical staff working for Britain’s National Health Service (NHS).

Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the main opposition Labour Party, said the spirit and generosity shown by charities, community, and faith groups “are exemplary examples of British values.”

According to data published on Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a total of 188,078 deaths have occurred in the UK where COVID-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.

All COVID-19 restrictions in England were scrapped on Feb. 24, including the legal requirement for those who test positive to self-isolate. Free universal testing will end on April 1.

Lily Zhou and PA Media contributed to this report.