Britain lights up to remember the Covid dead: Nation pays tribute with candles on doorsteps and shining beacons to mark the 126,000 pandemic deaths on the one-year anniversary of lockdown
- Boris Johnson earlier offered his 'sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones,' as Queen marked the occasion with a rare public statement 'to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many'
- From the London Eye to Edinburgh Castle, and on doorsteps throughout the country, lights shone at 8pm in remembrance for the tens of thousands killed by the virus
- Official data show that on March 23, 2020, when Johnson stunned the nation by ordering people to stay at home and shutting down much of the economy, fewer than 1,000 Britons had succumbed to the disease
- The number of people known to have died in the United Kingdom within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 now stands at 126,172, the worst toll in Europe and fifth highest in the worldBritons tonight lit candles on their doorsteps to remember the 126,000 coronavirus dead on the first anniversary of lockdown.
Boris Johnson offered his 'sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones,' while the Queen marked the occasion with a rare public statement 'to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many.'
The London Eye, Blackpool Tower and Edinburgh Castle were lit up in yellow, and the facade of Lichfield Cathedral was illuminated with the words 'Reflect Support Hope.' Thousands of people went onto their doorsteps to shine candles at 8pm, a sombre act of remembrance one year after people first started to step outside for the clap for carers.
At midday, people in parliament, hospitals, churches, public places and offices - still mostly empty with millions working at home due to social distancing rules - fell silent for a minute on the 'National Day of Reflection.'
Official data show that on March 23, 2020, when Mr Johnson stunned the nation by ordering people to stay at home and shutting down much of the economy, fewer than 1,000 Britons had succumbed to the disease.
The number of people known to have died in the United Kingdom within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 now stands at 126,172, the worst toll in Europe and fifth highest in the world.
As Britain marks and reflects a year since the unprecedented first national lockdown, it also emerged today:
- Doctors, teachers and nurses are calling on Boris Johnson to recognise an annual 'Covid Memorial Day';
- Boris Johnson will hold 5pm Downing Street press conference to mark the anniversary of the first lockdown;
- Travellers face a £5,000 fine for going abroad on holiday when a new ban comes into force on Monday;
- Ministers will make vaccinations mandatory for workers in adult social care, according to a leaked report;
- The PM warned a third wave of Covid cases in France and Italy could 'wash up on our shores as well';
- EU leaders are split over whether to press ahead with an extraordinary ban on vaccine exports to Britain;
- Covid-19 has robbed British families of a total of 1.5 million years with their loved ones by cutting lives short;
- UK daily recorded deaths from Covid-19 fell to 17 - the lowest since September 28 and down 75% in a week.
BELFAST: Holly Wilson, whose grandmother Ada Wilson passed away during the pandemic, lights a candle in Belfast Cathedral before a remembrance service in partnership with Marie Curie
KENT: A family in Tonbridge, Kent, take part in the candlelit remembrance for the covid dead on Tuesday evening on the first anniversary of lockdown
LONDON: Inma and Catalina, residents of Surbiton with candles lit as a beacon of remembrance for Covid victims tonight
SURREY: Health care assistant Chellen Chellamboye lights a candle outside the Old House at Home pub in Dormansland, Surrey
SURREY: Members of the public hold candles outside the Old House at Home pub in Dormansland, Surrey, during the National Day of Reflection
LONDON: The London Eye in London is illuminated yellow during the National Day of Reflection, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Official data show that on March 23, 2020, when Mr Johnson stunned the nation by ordering people to stay at home and shutting down much of the economy, fewer than 1,000 Britons had succumbed to the disease. The number of people known to have died in the United Kingdom within 28 days of testing positive for COVID-19 now stands at 126,172, the worst toll in Europe and fifth highest in the world.
EDINBURGH: Edinburgh Castle is illuminated yellow during the National Day of Reflection, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown.
BLACKPOOL: 23rd March National Day of Reflection: Blackpool Tower light's up yellow on anniversary of first UK Covid lockdown. Boris Johnson earlier offered his 'sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones,' while the Queen marked the occasion with a rare public statement 'to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many.'
STAFFORDSHIRE: Lichfield Cathedral is illuminated with the words 'Reflect', 'Support', and 'Hope', as part of the National Day of Reflection on the anniversary of the first national Covid-19 lockdown, in Lichfield, central England on March 23
Holly Wilson, whose grandmother Ada Wilson passed away during the pandemic, stands in Belfast Cathedral before a remembrance service in partnership with Marie Curie for their National Day of Reflection
Residents stand on their doorsteps at 8pm to pay their respects as part of the National Day of Reflection on the anniversary of the first national Covid-19 lockdown, in Kennington, south London
People hold candles to remember the covid dead on the first anniversary of the lockdown outside the Old House at Home pub in Dormansland, Surrey
Residents outside the Old House at Home pub in Dormansland, Surrey, during the National Day of Reflection, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown
Residents stand on their doorsteps at 8pm to pay their respects as part of the National Day of Reflection on the anniversary of the first national Covid-19 lockdown, in Kennington, south London
Nursing staff at the Langholme Care Home stand together and hold candles at 8pm in Falmouth, Cornwall
Residents outside the Old House at Home pub in Dormansland, Surrey, during the National Day of Reflection
Candles glow at a house in Manchester and posted on Instagram this evening
Members of the public stand outside their homes with candles to remember those who have died of covid in Dormansland, Surrey
Conwy Castle in north Wales is illuminated yellow along with other landmarks around Britain for the national day of remembrance
The Kelpies in Falkirk, Central Scotland, as they are lit up yellow during the National Day of Reflection
One Canada Square in London is lit up in yellow to honour the coronavirus dead at 8pm this evening
Boris Johnson takes part in a private minute's silence for the victims of Covid-19 in the Cabinet room at No10 Downing Street today
Landmark and tourist attraction The London Eye is illuminated in yellow light as part of the National Day of Reflection on the anniversary of the first national Covid-19 lockdown
Trafalgar Square in London during the National Day of Reflection, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and his wife Victoria Starmer light a candle in memory of the victims of covid
Members of the public outside the Old House at Home pub in Dormansland, Surrey
Mr Johnson, who was himself very ill with covid last April and spent three nights in intensive care, opened Tuesday's cabinet meeting by reflecting on 'a very dark and difficult year.'
The Prime Minister later told the press briefing: 'Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country's history.
'We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year. We have all played our part, whether it's working on the front line as a nurse or carer, working on vaccine development and supply, helping to get that jab into arms, home schooling your children, or just by staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
'It's because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all.'
Mr Johnson has warned a third wave of Covid-19 cases being seen in France and Italy could 'wash up on our shores as well' - but vowed to end lockdowns 'once and for all'.
Charles, who also suffered from Covid-19 last year but later admitted he 'got away with it quite lightly', has also lent his support to the day of national reflection.
In a recorded message, the heir to the throne, who is a patron of end-of-life charity Marie Curie, said: 'We have all been inspired by the resourcefulness we have witnessed, humbled by the dedication shown by so many, and moved, beyond words, by the sacrifices we have seen.
'Whatever our faith or philosophy may be, let us take a moment together to remember those who have been lost, to give thanks for their lives, and to acknowledge the inexpressible pain of parting. In their memory, let us resolve to work for a future inspired by our highest values, that have been displayed so clearly by the people of this country through this most challenging of times.'
Downing Street said Mr Johnson had reflected with Cabinet ministers on 'a very dark and difficult year' for the nation on the anniversary of the first lockdown.
Victoria Tower on Castle Hill near Kirklees is lit in Yellow, Landmarks across Yorkshire are lit up yellow this evening as a National Day of Reflection is held to remember those lost to the Covid-19 pandemic
The Millennium Centre in Cardiff shines in yellow to mark the anniversary of the first lockdown and to remember the covid dead
Penshaw Monument in Sunderland is lit up yellow to mark the national day of remembrance
Staff observe a minute's silence outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow at midday today
Hospital staff observe a minute's silence as part of a day of reflection outside Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool today
A minute's silence is held at London Waterloo station at midday today to remember those who have died from Covid-19
People come together on Edinburgh's Calton Hill on the anniversary of the national lockdown
Students and staff at Burnley College hold a minute's silence during the National Reflection Day at midday today
Firefighters hold a minute's silence at Leeds fire station during the National Reflection Day at midday today
Flowers sent from Queen Elizabeth II to staff at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, which treated her husband Prince Philip earlier this month, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus
Nurses stand together in Cardiff to remember those who have died from coronavirus over the past year
Nurses at a Covid-19 vaccination centre pause at midday today to remember the 126,172 killed by coronavirus in Britain
Care home staff at Westbourne House care home in Sheffield hold a minute's silence for Covid-19 victims today
MPs observe a minute's silence in House of Commons during the National Day of Reflection at midday today
Worshippers take part in a minute's silence on the first anniversary of the first lockdown at Lichfield Cathedral today
Health workers at the Fazl mosque vaccination centre in South West London today take part in a minute's silence
The England national team pause to reflect before training today at St George's Park in Staffordshire
Healthcare workers and staff observe a minute of silence at the Marie Curie Hospice in Hampstead, North London, today
Missioner Stephen Girling stands beside a candle lit to observe a minute's silence in Bath Abbey at noon today
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon observes a minute's silence in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood today
Covid-19 victims are remembered on the first lockdown anniversary at the Royal Free Hospital in North London today
Staff observe a minute's silence outside the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow at noon today
Nicola Sturgeon (bottom left) and other Scottish leaders pause for the silence at the Scottish Parliament today
Pharmacy staff observe a minute's silence as part of a day of reflection in Woburn Sands, Bedfordshire, today
A member of NHS staff lays flowers under the Mary Seacole Statue n at St Thomas' Hospital in London at noon today
A service is held at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in Dorset to mark the one-year anniversary of the UK's first lockdown
Health workers from Glasgow Royal Infirmary take part in a minute's silence on the first anniversary of the lockdown
Health workers at St Vincent's Centre in Leeds make the shape of a heart with their hands as they take part in the silence today
A woman becomes emotional while observing the minute's silence at University Hospital Southampton at noon today
Railway workers gather together at Waterloo station at midday today to remember those who have died from Covid-19
Police, railway staff and members of the public gathered for a minute's silence at London Waterloo station at midday today
A minute's silence is held today at Newcastle Central train station to commemorate a year since the first national lockdown
Staff and military personnel who have been assisting hold flowers at St Thomas' Hospital in London at noon today
Labour leader Keir Starmer and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rachel Reeves join paramedics at Deptford Ambulance station in South East London today
NHS England Chief Executive Sir Simon Stevens observes a minute's silence at St Thomas' Hospital in London today
A healthcare worker during the National Day of Reflection at Blackburn Cathedral this morning
Candles are lit at Blackburn Cathedral today, on the anniversary of the first national lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid
A woman lights a candle during the National Day of Reflection at Blackburn Cathedral this morning
Candles are lit during the National Day of Reflection at Blackburn Cathedral today
A verger lights one of 4,161 candles representing each death from Covid-19 in Lancashire, at Blackburn Cathedral today
The Very Reverend Anthony Cane, Dean of Portsmouth, lights a candle this morning at the city's cathedral
The Prince of Wales has lent his support to the day of national reflection being held on the anniversary of the first lockdown
Boris Johnson, who was almost killed by Covid-19 himself, offered his 'sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones'
People observe a minute's silence as part of a day of reflection on Guildford High Street in Guildford, Surrey, at noon todayA No 10 spokesman said: 'The PM began Cabinet by reflecting on what he said had been a very dark and difficult year for our country. The PM said that we mourn all those we have lost and send our deepest sympathies to their families, friends and loved ones.'The PM said the last year had also shown the great strengths of the British public, which had demonstrated such resilience and fortitude, and had shown such willingness to work together for a common good.'
The Prime Minister and his Cabinet also were said to have paid tribute to the 'extraordinary service' of NHS and social care workers, as well as those in the public sector.
He also praised the 'absolutely astonishing achievement' of British scientists and businesses in developing a vaccine and delivering it to half the adult population within a year.
Meanwhile Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there are no plans to put all of Europe on the travel 'red list', which forces British nationals and people who are normally resident in the UK to quarantine in a Government-approved hotel for ten days.
Mr Hancock, who spoke to his Spanish counterpart yesterday about whether travel could resume safely, told LBC: 'We don't have any plans to do that. We do have this red list and the amber list, and at the moment that is working well, so we don't have plans to do that.'
Yesterday, health minister Lord Bethell raised the prospect of having to 'red-list all of our European neighbours', putting plans for holidays abroad in jeopardy.
Mr Hancock said the ban on leaving the UK without a reasonable excuse, included in new coronavirus laws coming into force next week, had not changed the road map plans for international travel.
He told BBC Breakfast that current border measures were protecting the UK from new variants, some of which have been shown to evade a degree of immunity offered by vaccines.
He added: 'The question is whether we'll be able to release any of these measures over the summer.
'I entirely understand people's yearning to get away and have a summer holiday, and we're looking at that question right now as part of the global travel taskforce, which will report in the middle of next month.
'The earliest that will take any steps will be May 17 but, obviously, we're taking a cautious approach because we want any openings that we make to be irreversible.'
He said the Government would only take 'steps that we think are safe' but said 'on the other hand, we do understand, of course I understand, how people want to be able to get away in the summer, especially after the last year that we've all had'.
Reflecting on the last year, Mr Hancock said: 'I think the last year has been probably the hardest year in a generation.
'This crisis has touched everybody. My first thoughts go to those who've lost loved ones. The impact of that is permanent, I know that from my family.
'And, obviously, it's vital that we are constantly learning and constantly looking at the evidence, listening to scientific advisers, listening to all of the advice and looking at what has happened and how we can improve the response throughout that.'
He said he was at home when he heard of the first Covid death, adding: 'I remember sitting down and, you know, it really hit me.'
He added: 'That was the first death and there have been many more since then, and it's touched many, many families in this terrible way, and it's just made me more determined to get us out of this.
'You can see now that the number of people going to hospital, thankfully, is really falling sharply and the number of people who are dying ... these can just be statistics, but they really mean something.
'It's very good news because fewer families are having to go through what so many families have been through.'
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he would be joining the minute's silence to remember those who have died.
He tweeted: 'As we mark one year since our country entered the first lockdown, my thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones since the pandemic began.'
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'One year on. Thinking today of all those who have lost a loved one to Covid, and to everyone who continues to make heartbreaking sacrifices as we continue to navigate our way through this terrible ordeal, together.
'Also, many people have lost loved ones to causes other than Covid over the past 12 months. The restrictions in place have made the grieving process even more difficult than it would have been - my thoughts are with you too.'
It comes as ministers continue to examine the issue of compulsory vaccination of care home staff in order to protect residents from coronavirus.
Mr Hancock insisted that 'no decision' has yet been taken, though he said the Government was thinking about the move. Medics working on the front line already have to have a hepatitis B vaccination to protect patients.
Mr Hancock said 76 per cent of staff in care homes for the elderly had been vaccinated, and more than 90% of residents, but there was 'still further to go'.
He told the BBC: 'It's important because those who look after people in care homes have a duty of care towards them and not every resident in a care home can be vaccinated.'
Elsewhere, Professor Calum Semple, a member of the Government's Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said he thought a third wave of coronavirus could potentially hit in the summer.
The UK is expecting another wave of infections at some point, mostly among the unvaccinated, but some scientists have suggested this will not be until the autumn or winter.
Mr Semple said: 'The concern at present is that in countries where there's less vaccination and a very strong third wave, that's the perfect breeding ground for further variants of concern.
'So, at this point, Britain has got its act together, the concern is as this third wave is going on elsewhere, that will generate new variations.
'Even within Britain there is a likelihood of a third wave in potentially July and August time, when we do unlock society. That third wave we would expect to occur in people that are less susceptible to very severe disease.
'It's inevitable as we unlock there will be an rise in cases, the key here is have we won the race to vaccinate the most vulnerable members of society so we can keep society open this time?'
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are continuing in a bid to ward off a possible ban on vaccine exports from the European Union amid a row over supplies.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel told reporters she and French President Emmanuel Macron had each recently spoken to Mr Johnson about the matter, adding EU leaders aimed to reach a decision 'in a responsible way' during their virtual summit on Thursday.
A year ago today the PM addressed the nation at 8pm and told them to stay at home to protect the NHS and avoid the 'devastating impact of this invisible killer'.
Twelve months on, the nation will pause in remembrance at midday, with Brits encouraged to stand on their doorsteps at 8pm with phones, candles and torches to signify a 'beacon of remembrance'.
More than 250 organisations are supporting the day of reflection, including 82 leaders from religious groups and cross-party politicians, care organisations, charities, businesses, emergency services, public sector bodies and community groups.
Mr Johnson, who will observe the minute's silence privately, said: 'The last 12 months has taken a huge toll on us all, and I offer my sincere condolences to those who have lost loved ones.
'Today, the anniversary of the first lockdown, is an opportunity to reflect on the past year – one of the most difficult in our country's history.
'We should also remember the great spirit shown by our nation over this past year. We have all played our part, whether it's working on the front line as a nurse or carer, working on vaccine development and supply, helping to get that jab into arms, home schooling your children, or just by staying at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
'It's because of every person in this country that lives have been saved, our NHS was protected, and we have started on our cautious road to easing restrictions once and for all.'
From March 29, the Rule of Six will return for outdoor gatherings, with the Government changing advice from Stay at Home to Stay Local, and a public transport lifted.
Next month, should Covid-19 rates continue to fall, non-essential retail and hairdressers will reopen on April 12, along with restaurants and pubs to outdoor customers.
May 17 will see hotel, cinemas and play areas reopen, with the Rule of Six dropped out doors, along with the possibility of international travel bans being lifted.
June 21 could see all legal limits on social contacts go, along with all restrictions on large events, just in time for the summer.
According to the latest available data from the Office for National Statistics, there have been 618,676 deaths from all causes registered in England and Wales between March 21 2020 and the week ending March 5 2021.
The figures also show that, across the UK, 147,681 deaths have now occurred where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
The Health Foundation calculates that those who died with Covid-19 have lost up to 10 years of life on average, with a total of up to 1.5 million potential years of life lost.
Addressing the nation last March 23, Mr Johnson said: 'Without a huge national effort to halt the growth of this virus, there will come a moment when no health service in the world could possibly cope; because there won't be enough ventilators, enough intensive care beds, enough doctors and nurses.
'And as we have seen elsewhere, in other countries that also have fantastic health care systems, that is the moment of real danger.
'To put it simply, if too many people become seriously unwell at one time, the NHS will be unable to handle it - meaning more people are likely to die, not just from Coronavirus but from other illnesses as well.
'So it's vital to slow the spread of the disease because that is the way we reduce the number of people needing hospital treatment at any one time, so we can protect the NHS's ability to cope - and save more lives.
'And that's why we have been asking people to stay at home during this pandemic.
'And though huge numbers are complying – and I thank you all - the time has now come for us all to do more.
'From this evening I must give the British people a very simple instruction - you must stay at home.
'Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households.
Ending his speech, Mr Johnson said: 'We will come through it stronger than ever. We will beat the coronavirus and we will beat it together.
'And therefore I urge you at this moment of national emergency to stay at home, protect our NHS and save lives. Thank you.'
Since then the country has undergone varying levels of lockdown, most recently the country returned to strictest measures at the start of January, amid fears of variants and a second wave.
Britain's vaccine roll-out has offered a light at the end of the tunnel after a year that saw elderly people and carers forced to shield from loved ones to avoid the virus.
Nearly 28million people have received their first dose of a Covid vaccine to date.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Public Health England strategic response director for Covid-19, said: 'This virus has left no one untouched and it has been the most challenging time both personally and professionally that many of us have ever faced.
'I want to say thank you today to all the public health professionals and key workers who have worked long and difficult hours to help keep the country safe. The commitment you have shown is an inspiration to us all.'
Staff at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, receive flowers from Queen Elizabeth II on the anniversary of the lockdown today
Staff at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, receive flowers from Queen Elizabeth II on the anniversary of the lockdown today
Chief Executive of St Bartholomew's Hospital Professor Charles Knight receives flowers from Queen Elizabeth II today
The Duchess of Cambridge (centre) speaks to staff during a visit to the vaccination centre at Westminster Abbey today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (centre) with Dean of Westminster The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle,(right) and Paul Baumann, Receiver General and Chapter Clerk, arrive for a visit to the vaccination centre at Westminster Abbey today
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (left) with Dean of Westminster The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle (right) and Paul Baumann, Receiver General and Chapter Clerk, arrive for a visit to the vaccination centre at Westminster Abbey today
People wearing face masks walk past a coronavirus advice sign in Skegness, Lincolnshire, this morning
People cross London Bridge in the capital today during the morning commute on the National Day of Reflection
Benches piled on top of one another today to prevent them being used in Skegness, Lincolnshire, during the third lockdown
Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer (left) and Rachel Reeves (right), Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, walk with nurse Lisa Newell during a visit to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London this morning
A member of the public is given a Covid-19 vaccination in the Cumbrian town of Workington today
Rachel Reeves, Labour's shadow chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, added: 'Today we reflect on what has been a terrible year for our country and the huge sacrifices the British people have made.
Queen reflects on 'grief' of pandemic and sends flowers to Philip's hospital
The Queen has reflected on the 'grief and loss felt by so many' as she marked the poignant Covid lockdown anniversary by sending flowers to the hospital where the Duke of Edinburgh had heart surgery.
The monarch paid tribute to the 'immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year' in a message honouring the national day of reflection.
Staff at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, receive flowers from the Queen on the anniversary of the first lockdown
A bouquet of irises, tulips, mixed narcissi and ranunculus and the message were carried to St Bartholomew's Hospital in the City of London from Windsor Castle, where the monarch and Philip have been staying during the pandemic.
The Queen is understood to have wanted to mark the day during which Covid-19 victims are being remembered across the nation with a minute's silence at midday.
She chose St Barts to receive the flowers following the duke's successful procedure and recent stay.
The Queen also wrote of how the nation was looking forward to a 'brighter future together'.
The message read: 'As we look forward to a brighter future together, today we pause to reflect on the grief and loss that continues to be felt by so many people and families, and pay tribute to the immeasurable service of those who have supported us all over the last year.'
The floral gift was handed to the hospital's chief executive, consultant cardiologist Professor Charles Knight.
Philip, 99, and the Queen, who have been married for 73 years, were reunited at Windsor in Berkshire last week after the duke spent a month in hospital.
The duke had a successful procedure on his heart at St Bartholomew's on March 3 - three months ahead of his 100th birthday in June. He was discharged on March 16.
Philip had been moved to the NHS hospital by ambulance, after initially being treated at the private King Edward VII's Hospital in central London and then returning there to recuperate after surgery.
'Our thoughts in particular are with those families who have lost loved ones to this terrible virus and will still be grieving.
'As we reflect on the past year, we owe it to those whose lives have been lost to learn the lessons from the pandemic and to build a stronger more secure future for our country.
'A public inquiry into the pandemic will be key to this.'
To mark the anniversary, London's skyline will turn yellow with landmarks including the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Wembley Stadium lighting up at nightfall.
Other notable buildings that will be illuminated include Cardiff Castle and Belfast City Hall, while churches and cathedrals will toll bells, light thousands of candles and offer prayers.
In Portsmouth, churches will deliver more than 50 boxes of chocolates and cards to local GP surgeries, care homes and schools to thank key workers for their pandemic efforts.
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said: 'This day of reflection is an opportunity to pause and remember all that's happened over the past year, to mourn those who have died but also to give thanks for those who have looked after us and our communities.
'It is a moment to pray together to our Father in Heaven to comfort us in our grief and to lead us into the hope of the risen Christ and the eternal life he promises.
'As we reflect on the pandemic, may He strengthen our resolve to rebuild a kinder, fairer and more compassionate society, may He be with those who are struggling and may He guide us in honouring those we have lost over the past year.'
Nursing staff will also pause to say thank you to members of the public for their year of sacrifice, and remember the loss of friends, colleagues and patients.
Nursing leader Dame Donna Kinnair said: 'After a year of sacrifices and gestures, great and small, we are taking our turn to thank the public. In a time of loss and fear, they helped us to keep digging deeper.
'We will take a day to remember and reflect – as much about the future we want as the year we've had.'
As Europe is hit with a new wave of coronavirus cases, it was revealed todat face £5,000 fines for going abroad on holiday from Monday.
The threat of penalties for leaving the UK without 'reasonable excuse' – such as for work or family matters – will remain in place until the end of June.
Yesterday it emerged that France is likely to be added by the end of the week to a 'red list' of countries requiring hotel quarantine.
Health officials are increasingly concerned by a surge in cases of the South African Covid variant across the Channel. A minister even suggested the whole of the continent could be put on the red list because of botched vaccine rollouts.
That might mean the need to quarantine after foreign trips would stay in place until at least August.
A 'traffic light' system is under consideration, allowing restriction-free travel to 'green' countries. However, sources stressed no decisions had been taken.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is leading a taskforce that will report by April 12 on how and when the ban on non-essential travel can be lifted. Under Boris Johnson's official roadmap it can be no earlier than May 17.
Care minister Helen Whately yesterday repeated official warnings that booking a trip abroad would be 'premature'.
One year ago: People listen in Liverpool as Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a televised address on March 23, 2020
Shelves were emptied ahead of the lockdown being announced, with a Tesco store in Sheffield pictured on March 22, 2020
The NHS was also hit by a shortage of PPE that led to a rush to find people who could provide masks, gloves and gowns. Some staff were forced to use bin liners. Pictured: A medic pushes a patient at St Thomas' Hospital in London on April 1, 2020
In an echo of Clap for Carers (pictured), Brits are being encouraged to gather on their doorsteps today at 8pm, but instead bring out candles, torches and their phones to create a 'Beacon of Remembrance'
But top scientists yesterday backed allowing foreign holidays this summer.
Carl Heneghan, a professor of evidence-based medicine at Oxford University, said: 'We were allowing people to go on holiday last summer, without any testing programme, and now we have got the vaccination programme and the testing programme. Given that, you have to ask the question, 'What will it take if that's not sufficient?'
Professor Robert Dingwall, who sits on the Government's scientific advisory group Nervtag, added: 'We should have been able to complete the two rounds of vaccinations for the over-50s and clinically vulnerable by the end of April, early May.
'Add on a couple of weeks for these things to take effect and you wouldn't really have much of a case for going beyond the end of May [for extending the travel ban].'
However, given the picture in Europe it appears increasingly likely that foreign holidays will be delayed until at least June 21, the same day the Government plans to remove all domestic restrictions.
The slow rollout of the vaccination programme in Europe means most countries popular with Britons are unlikely to be declared 'green' until late summer. This would make foreign trips impossible for most holidaymakers because of the ten days of quarantine.
Putting France on the red list will mean returning British nationals are forced to isolate in an approved hotel at their own expense.
Non-British residents will be banned from entering and direct flights will also cease. Exemptions would be made for hauliers to protect trade.
Health minister Lord Bethell of Romford yesterday told peers: 'The possibility is that we will have to red-list all of our European neighbours. But that would be done with huge regret because we are a trading nation.'
Thirty-five countries are on the red list, including the whole of South America, southern Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Portugal was on the list but was removed last week.
The ban on foreign holidays was implicit because leisure trips abroad were not one of the reasons allowed for leaving the house.
But, from Monday it will be officially placed in law at the same time as the 'stay at home' message is lifted.
The foreign travel ban does not apply to those going to the common travel area of the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland.
Exemptions apply to those needing to travel for work, study, for legal obligations or to vote. Births, weddings and visiting a dying relative or close friend also qualify.
How will lockdown be eased in the UK until end of June?
Step One Part One: March 8
From March 8, all pupils and students returned to schools and colleges across England.
So-called wrap-around childcare was also allowed to resume, paving the way for after and before school clubs to reopen.
People were allowed to meet one other person outside for recreation, for example, to have a picnic or to meet for coffee.
Care home residents were be able to have one regular named visitor.
The Government's stay at home order remained in place, with travel for non-essential purposes still banned.
Step One Part Two: March 29
From March 29, outdoor gatherings of up to six people or a larger group from up to two households will be allowed. These gatherings will be allowed to happen in private gardens.
Outdoor sports like tennis and basketball will be allowed to reopen and people will also be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.
It is at this point that the Government's stay at home guidance will end, to be replaced by ministers encouraging people to 'stay local'.
However, the Government is expected not to define what constitutes local, instead choosing to rely on people using their common sense to decide on journeys.
People will still be told to work from home wherever possible while international travel will still be banned unless it is for essential purposes.
Step Two: April 12
Nom-essential retail will be allowed to reopen as well as personal care premises like hairdressers, barbers and nail salons.
Public buildings like libraries, museums and art galleries will be allowed to welcome back customers.
Meanwhile, hospitality venues and outdoor attractions like theme parks will be given the green light to reopen in some form.
However, there will still be rules on household mixing: Essentially any activity which involves being indoors will be restricted to members of the same household.
Gyms and swimming pools will also reopen from April 12 but only on the basis that people go on their own or with their own household.
Pubs and restaurants will be able to reopen but at this point they will only be able to have customers outdoors.
The Government will not be bringing back the old requirement for people to order a substantial meal with alcohol while the old 10pm curfew will be ditched.
All customers at hospitality venues will also have to be seated when they order food or drink, with ordering at the bar prohibited.
Campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen but trips must be restricted a single household.
Funerals will be allowed to continue with up to 30 people, while the rules on wedding receptions will be eased to allow the number of guests to increase from six to 15.
Step Three: May 17
The two household and rule of six requirements for outdoor gatherings will be ditched but gatherings of more than 30 people in places like parks will still be banned.
Crucially, mixing indoors will be allowed again. The rule of six or a larger group from up to two households will be allowed to meet.
However, this will be kept under review by ministers to see if rules could be relaxed still further.
This is also the point at which pubs and restaurants and other hospitality venues will be able to open indoors, with the rule of six and two household limit in place. But groups meeting outdoors at pubs will be allowed to be bigger.
Entertainment venues like cinemas and children's play areas will be able to reopen, as will hotels and B&Bs. Indoor adult sports groups and exercise classes can also reopen.
Changes will also be made to sporting and performance events in indoor venues with a capacity of 1,000 people or half full
#LastNormalPhoto: From Stereophonics gig to Spurs match and meal out with friends... Britons give glimpse of pre-lockdown life by sharing year-old memories on anniversary of first national shutdown
- ** Please send us your #LastNormalPhoto to: pictures@mailonline.co.uk **
From being in a crowd of thousands of fans to a romantic meal out with your other half, Britons have been sharing everyday snapshots of life before the first national lockdown on the one-year anniversary of it being announced.
Going to a music concert or a sports event and being sat or stood close to thousands of strangers used to be normal life for most people, but that all changed in March 2020 when Britain was put into the first shutdown.
And people have been reflecting on their #LastNormalPhoto today with a series of photographs. Pictures posted on Twitter include a packed Stereophonics gig, a concert at the Royal Albert Hall and a full stadium watching Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Other people tweeted images of them out for dinner with friends or colleagues, at a theatre production or doing a park run with hundreds of other people.
You can send yours to pictures@mailonline.co.uk, tweet them to @Mailonlinepics or send them via the MailOnline WhatsApp number, 07881 323742.
Here are some of the best pictures posted under the #LastNormalPhoto hashtag over the past 24 hours:
