The flag will be flying half-mast at County Hall tomorrow when North Yorkshire takes part in tomorrow’s covid National Day of Reflection.
The end of life charity Marie Curie is organising the day, one year on from the start of the first lockdown.
North Yorkshire has suffered more than 1,100 covid-related deaths since the pandemic began.
Across the county, 23 community support organisations and an army of volunteers has worked with the council to support all those in need. Volunteers have given 110,000 hours of their time since last March to deliver shopping, cook meals and deliver medication.
They have also made more than 56,000 befriending calls and telephone check-ins.
Helen Flynn, executive director at Nidderdale Plus, one of the community support organisations, said:
“At the time when you heard about places in Europe going into lockdown it seemed odd, but very quickly we were in a lockdown as well. We had to act really quickly to wrap our arms round the community.
“I feel that we’ve responded to that need really well and through doing that we’ve all learned so much more about our communities.”
Syrian refugees in Northallerton played a key role in the pandemic response by taking on volunteer roles.
The work by staff at schools and early years centres has also been commended by the county council.
Since last March, library staff and volunteers have made sure the home library service has reached those struggling to get out and about. More than 270,000 e-books have been loaned.
County council leader Cllr Carl Les said:
“It is a time to remember the challenges we have faced in the past year and the commitment, innovation and kindness of our communities that has seen us rise to meet those challenges and to support those residents who have needed extra help.
“Necessity is the mother of invention, and I think that as well as bringing out the best in people the pandemic has been a catalyst for incredible innovation in the way vital services have continued to be delivered and revolutionised.”
Read more:
- Over 70,000 people receive first dose of covid vaccine in North Yorkshire.
- Fifty tonnes of food donated in Ripon since pandemic began.
Council leaders urged residents not to let down their guard despite the lifting of restrictions in the coming months.
County council chief executive Richard Flinton said:
“As we use the day of reflection of look back on this turbulent twelve months, I thank people again for their tremendous effort and remind everyone to continue following the rules and remembering hands, face and space.
“We have come too far to allow a better tomorrow to slip away from us now so please keep going.”
