Bereaved families come together to mark five years since the pandemic started

People will gather at a number of events in the North East as part of a national day of reflection to mark five years since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sunday will also be a chance to pause and think of the sacrifices made and pay tribute to the frontline health and social care workers, volunteers and researchers who played crucial roles.

The deadly virus shut down the world after it began to spread from Wuhan in China at the beginning of 2020.

The annual day is one of the recommendations set out by the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration, whose chairwoman Baroness Morgan of Cotes said: “It is right that, as a country, we take the time to remember the Covid-19 pandemic, to reflect on what happened, remember those whose lives were impacted in so many ways and honour those who tragically lost their lives.

“Today is an opportunity for communities to come together to reflect and commemorate their loved ones.”

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “The pandemic impacted us all in different ways, with many sadly losing loved ones and others making great sacrifices in their lives.”

She said she hopes the day will “allow people the space and time to reflect” and added: “I would encourage everyone to take part in a way that feels right for them.”

Hundreds of events and spaces for reflection have been organised by communities around the country.