City marks one year of lockdown

Published

23rd March 2021

Civic leaders are encouraging Dundee residents to take part in the National Day of Reflection as the city marks the first anniversary of the first Coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown today (March 23).

The Day is an opportunity to remember those who have died during the pandemic, and to show support for those who have lost a loved one.

The Caird Hall – which is home to the city’s community vaccination centre – will be lit yellow by Leisure and Culture Dundee as part of the Day of Reflection.

A minute’s silence will take place at noon. During the Day, people are also encouraged to reach out to anyone they know is grieving, and to shine a light (using a torch, candle or phone) as a beacon of hope at 8pm.

Lord Provost Ian Borthwick said: “We have lost so many people to this virus in the past year.

“Marking this occasion with a minute’s silence is an appropriate way for us to take time to reflect and remember all those that have lost their lives during the course of this pandemic.

“As we head into Spring, with lighter days and warmer weather, we can all take comfort in the progress that is being made with the vaccine roll out.

“I would encourage anyone offered the vaccine to roll their sleeves up and get vaccinated. It will be one of the key ways we move forward in the fight against this virus.”

Council leader John Alexander added: “On this lockdown anniversary that none of us could have imagined 12 months ago, I want to extend my condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one.

“The past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone, and one year on from the first lockdown we are continuing to live with significant restrictions in our lives.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank every single person in the city for their efforts over the past year, sticking to the guidance and sacrificing so many of the day-to-day things that we took for granted.

“I also want to pay tribute to the Council staff, health and social care colleagues and all key workers for continuing to provide lifeline services and support during an unbelievably challenging 12 months.

“While we take this Day to reflect and remember, we must also look to the future. We have an indicative route out of lockdown and some positive milestones to look forward to in the weeks ahead.

“Better times are coming. In the meantime, please remember FACTS and keep up to date with the latest restrictions. If we all stick with it then hopefully we’ll move towards something like normality this summer.”

Dundee City Council

Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.

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