Antrim and Newtownabbey to join National Day of Reflection

Antrim and Newtownabbey is to join a National Day of Reflection today (Tuesday) as a tribute to those who have lost their lives to Covid.
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The initiative, which is being organised by the Marie Curie charity on the anniversary of the first lockdown, is aimed at providing a “chance to reflect on collective loss, support those who’ve been bereaved and hope for a brighter future”.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor Cllr Jim Montgomery will tie a single yellow ribbon to a tree at Mossley Mill in Newtownabbey and Antrim Castle Gardens to remember all those who have died from Covid-19.

The Mayor will also observe a minute’s silence at noon as a personal gesture to honour those who have lost their lives as a result of the pandemic.

National Day Of ReflectionNational Day Of Reflection
National Day Of Reflection

Cllr Montgomery said: “I would encourage the public to show their support and to participate in the National Day of Reflection.

“Covid-19 has inflicted so much loss and pain globally, we must all remember the hundreds of thousands who have lost their lives and have hope for brighter days ahead.”

The community is being encouraged to join the minute’s silence at noon, “reach out” to someone who has been affected or bereaved and shine a light or light a candle at 8pm.

Ballyclare Town Hall will be lighting up yellow as part of this ‘Light for Lives’ event to show support. Click here

In October,  it was reported that Antrim and Newtownabbey had the second highest number of Covid-related deaths in Northern Ireland after Belfast, according to statistics published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).

At the start of this month, the highest number of Covid-related deaths in Northern Ireland was recorded in Antrim and Newtownabbey.

Between March 15 and March 21, there have been two deaths within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test in Antrim and Newtownabbey. This shows a decrease of one third compared to the previous seven days.

Between March 15 and March 21, 66 people in the borough had a confirmed positive test result. This shows a decrease of 27.5 per cent compared to the previous seven days. There were five new positive test results reported on  March 21.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter

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