The executive medical director and acting deputy CEO of Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board has shared his thoughts on the third anniversary of the first Covid lockdown.

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the country in the first of many announcements to follow implementing restrictions to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Dr Nick Lyons said: “Firstly, I would like to acknowledge all of those who tragically died as a result of Covid-19. I offer my sincere condolences to all those families and friends who have had to come to terms with losing a loved one.

“I also lost loved ones and close colleagues as a result of Covid-19 and can empathise with those emotions.

“No words can convey the sense of loss felt by so many, in such a devastatingly short timescale. Many were not able to be with their loved ones physically during their final moments and we must remember, among all the statistics, these are people who continue to be loved and missed.

READ MORE: National Day of Reflection: Three years since we went into lockdown

“Life changed for all of us three years ago and we would be hard pushed to find anyone whose life has not been affected by the advent of this virulent infection, whether physically, economically or emotionally.

“It is also right to remember we are still dealing with Covid-19 - it hasn’t gone away. We are all learning to live with this ‘new normal’.

“Indeed, many of those who contracted the infection are still dealing with its after-effects and we continue to see Long Covid sufferers attending both primary care and our dedicated clinics.

“The National Day of Reflection gives us a chance, not only to remember those who we have lost but to reaffirm our collective will to tackle the issues Covid brought, together as a society.

“We saw countless examples of that unity during the pandemic, with many selfless acts from friends, neighbours and often complete strangers helping others.

“At the forefront of this were our health and care professionals, who went far beyond the limits of what could be expected in caring for all those who contracted Covid-19.

“It is about these selfless individuals I would like to make my final reflections.

“The public rightly stood on doorsteps and clapped, banged pots and pans and celebrated the work of our frontline staff during those early days. I hope as a society we haven’t lost that sentiment, that sense of gratitude we all felt.

“As we hopefully enter a world where Covid-19 plays less of a role, those same staff continue to give their all in the most trying of circumstances.

“On this day of reflection let us remember those we have lost, care for those still here and celebrate those health and care staff who continue to work beyond what is expected of them for the good of us all.”