A YEAR on from Warwickshire being plunged into its first coronavirus lockdown, local authorities and healthcare bosses are looking back on the impact of coronavirus.
This week marks one year since shops, pubs, cafes, theatres, museums, cinemas and offices closed as the nation was told to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.
To mark the anniversary, Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has compiled an online gallery sharing stories from across the county on experiences throughout the pandemic.
One of the stories is told by an anonymous resident who was admitted to Warwick Hospital and spent 20 days on ITU on a ventilator which they call a ‘frightening experience’.
Another story shares how a Rugby resident who had been homeless for many years was supported into accommodation by Hope4 and Rugby Borough Council due to the onset of the pandemic, which closed the services they previously accessed.
The resident is now living in a furnished flat, has applied for benefits and is receiving ongoing support.
WCC chief executive Monica Fogarty said: “I want to express my thanks to the public health team who have been vital in leading and delivering the council’s response to Covid-19 in Warwickshire. The team has worked at pace with colleagues across the public, private and voluntary and community sectors as well as local and national government to reduce the transmission of Covid-19.
“Public Health will continue to be at the forefront of everything we do as we move out of lockdown and begin our return to the lives we have missed.”
Staff at Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust (CWPT) honoured all those who have died, and remembered colleagues, family, friends, and those who have been bereaved.
The Trust placed memorial books at a number of its sites which held the names of people who have died throughout the last year, and where colleagues left messages of remembrance.
Chief executive Mel Coombes said: “There has been so much loss and suffering over the past year. We want to commemorate everyone who has passed away or been severely affected through the pandemic, and to express our deepest sympathy to their families and friends.
“At the same time, we want to mark our appreciation for everyone who has helped us through the past year, be they key workers, carers, charities, partners or individuals.”
