The federal government has designated today, March 11, as a National Day of Observance to commemorate those who have died due to COVID-19.

To honour the family members, friends, neighbours, and coworkers who we’ve lost due to the pandemic, and to recognize the major impacts the disease has had on all of us, we are designating March 11, 2021 as a National Day of Observance. Details: https://t.co/Tcj3ytCe0W

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 8, 2021

It is the first anniversary of the World Health Organization deeming the virus outbreak a pandemic.

Over the last year, over 896,000 cases of COVID-19 have been identified in Canada alone. Nationally, over 22,000 deaths have been recorded in relation to the virus.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says all Canadians have experienced sacrifice and loss over the past year. Now, he says, it is important to reflect and acknowledge the critical work of health care and essential workers.

Newfoundland and Labrador has reported six deaths due to the virus since it declared a public health state of emergency on March 18, 2020.

In recognition of the day of observance, all flags outside provincial buildings will be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset.

The Provincial Government will lower flags to half-mast from at all provincial buildings from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, March 11 to mark the National Day of Observance for COVID-19.

— Government of Newfoundland & Labrador (@GovNL) March 10, 2021