A Pause for Reflection or a Reminder of an Unresolved Crisis?
Covid-19, One day to reflect, but is it too soon? The National Day of Reflection Controversy
On Sunday, 9 March 2025, the UK will observe a National Day of Reflection to mark the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic. Culture Secretary Lisa Tandy announced the day, which aims to honour those lost, recognise the sacrifices of frontline workers, and encourage the nation to reflect on lessons learned.
However, public opinion is divided. While some see the day as a chance to unite the country and build resilience for future crises, others feel it risks reopening old wounds. The debate raises a pressing question: Can collective remembrance bring healing, or will it deepen the scars of a nation still grappling with the pandemic’s aftermath?
Why Has the Government Proposed This Day?
The government’s stated goal is to offer a moment for communities to come together - whether through a moment of silence, a shared meal, or attending places of worship - to reflect on the hardships of the pandemic and its lessons. Culture Secretary Lisa Tandy highlighted that the day is not merely about looking back but about building a more resilient future.
Baroness Morgan of Cotes, Chair of the Covid Commemoration Commission, endorsed the initiative, stating, “As each year passes, it can feel as if Covid is more and more of a distant memory. Those who lost loved ones appreciate a day when many others will remember them. Therefore, today’s 2025 Day of Reflection announcement is very welcome.”
Despite the government’s intentions, public reactions suggest that the announcement has struck a contentious chord.
The Legacy of COVID-19
The pandemic’s impact on the UK was immense, leaving a lasting legacy on health, society, and the economy. Over seven million lives have been lost worldwide since the virus first emerged, with over 1.9 million people in the UK still suffering from Long Covid, often struggling to return to work or maintain a decent quality of life.
The NHS continues to face significant strain, with a record 7.75 million people on waiting lists for treatment as of December 2024. Mental health challenges, exacerbated by isolation and grief during the pandemic, also remain widespread.

Nevertheless, some positive outcomes emerged. Communities came together during lockdowns, offering support to vulnerable neighbours. Remote work, initially a necessity, has transformed workplace dynamics, though according to Virgin Media O2 Business’s Annual Movers Index 2024, 92% of companies have reinstated mandatory in-office policies, and 40% have returned to a full five-day week.
These mixed legacies highlight both the importance and complexity of reflecting on the pandemic.
Public Response
A recent poll of Kent residents on the Nextdoor platform found that 83% oppose the idea of a National Day of Reflection. Many argue the nation has already endured enough trauma and question the value of revisiting painful memories.

Trish Bowen from Kingsnorth remarked, “It’s not something we will forget. Many mourn their loved ones, but we need to move on.” Nicola Parker, a healthcare worker from Ashford, shared a similar sentiment: “After working through COVID, watching people fight for their last breath, and worrying about infecting my family, I don’t understand why we need to reflect on it. Losing colleagues and patients still affects us deeply, and revisiting it feels unnecessary.”
For others, frustration stems from ongoing challenges, such as the NHS crisis and the lack of accountability for pandemic decisions. Richard Benns of Staplehurst stated, “I am not in favour of a National Day of Reflection, but I do believe it is essential for those in government to learn from their mistakes and ensure they are not repeated in a future pandemic.”
However, not all responses are critical. Debra Herbert-Evers of Langley, Kent supports the initiative, saying, “There’s much to learn from how COVID was handled practically and politically. Given the likelihood of future crises, it can’t hurt to have a focused day to consider what went wrong, what worked, and how to improve. Remembering the people we lost would be a mark of respect.”

Is Reflection the Right Approach?
Advocates for the National Day of Reflection argue that collective remembrance can unify people and help the nation prepare for future crises. According to public health experts cited in the UK Commission on Covid Commemoration’s Final Report, moments of collective reflection can encourage solidarity, resilience, and a sense of shared purpose in the face of adversity. The National Covid Memorial Wall in London continues to highlight that COVID-19 is still in our lives and still robbing families of their loved ones.
However, critics warn that such gestures risk being seen as symbolic rather than substantive. Concerns have been raised that the day could divert attention from ongoing issues, such as the NHS backlog, Long Covid, and the mental health crisis. Some worry that reliving the pandemic might re-traumatise individuals who are still struggling to process their experiences.
As Charlotte Cornwall Waters from Cranbrook noted, “Everyone has their own COVID story. Many lost loved ones. They have their day for remembering them; an extra day is just a sad reminder.”

Striking a Balance
Whether the National Day of Reflection serves as a unifying event or an unwelcome reminder of a painful chapter will depend on how it is observed. A meaningful approach that acknowledges individual grief while encouraging collective learning could provide value, but a misstep could deepen divisions or feel hollow.
The initiative highlights the complex challenge of commemorating a national tragedy. As the nation prepares for 9 March 2025, one thing remains clear: the conversation about COVID-19’s legacy is far from over.
True colours ISSN 2977-6120