First Minister to take part in TV event to mark year since start of lockdown

The First Minister will take part in a televised event to mark one year since the start of the lockdown in Wales today.

The National Coronavirus Commemorative Event will be presented by Welsh newsreader Huw Edwards. It will be broadcast on BBC One Wales and S4C from 5.15pm.

Ifor ap Glyn, the National Poet of Wales, will read a poem written especially for the Commemoration, which will also feature a recorded performance from the Morriston Hospital Emergency Department Choir.

There will also be a separate event including a minute’s silence at midday to remember those who have died as a result of the pandemic.

Ahead of today’s event, Mr Drakeford said: “Over the last 12 months, the pandemic has turned all our lives upside down.

“Too many families have lost loved ones and close friends and so many people haven’t had a chance to say goodbye because of all the changes coronavirus has meant to our lives.

“It’s really important we have an opportunity to come together to reflect on the last year and to unite to support each other through this tough time.”

5,488 people are known to have died from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, according to Public Health Wales. Across the UK, more than 146,000 people have died, and 2.7m worldwide.