Landmarks lit up as city marks tragic COVID milestone

Civic buildings in Leeds will be illuminated this week to mark the city reaching the tragic milestone of 2,000 COVID-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Landmarks including Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds City Museum will be lit up from this evening until Thursday in recognition of both those who have lost their lives and the front line workers whose tireless efforts have saved so many others.

The buildings will each be lit up in both blue, as a mark of respect for the city’s NHS and care staff, and yellow, the colour for grief awareness.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is a sombre milestone for the city which should prompt us all to pause and reflect on the unimaginable toll the past two years have taken on those who have lost family members, loved ones and friends.

“It is also an opportunity for us to be proud of the unity and compassion Leeds has shown throughout the darkest days of pandemic and to look towards the days to come with hope and optimism that having endured so much together, we can be closer and stronger than ever.”

Work has also begun on the transformation of the former South Leeds golf course, which will include a ‘Peoples Woodland.’

In partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity, the woodland will be a space for reflection and peace in memorial of loved ones who lost their lives during the pandemic as well as a tribute to key workers.

People in Leeds are still being encouraged to do their part in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19, with getting a vaccine still the best way to keep yourself and loved ones safe.

For information on walk-in clinics and where to grab a jab, please visit:  https://www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/walk-in-clinics

For the latest guidance on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19, visit: Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

ENDS