A SAD and solemn commemoration is taking place in Bradford today as official figures show that the district has passed the milestone of 1,000 deaths from Covid-19 related causes.

The figure now stands at 1,001, so the same number of electric candles will be lit around the steps of City Hall as a stark reminder of how the pandemic has caused grief and anguish among all communities in the district.

It will take place at 4.45pm. The City Hall flag will be lowered to half-mast and hospitals will join in with lights at their entrances or in the chapel at Airedale.

Bradford Council Leader, councillor Susan Hinchcliffe said: “This is a very sad milestone. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives to Covid-19 and with the families and friends who have lost loved ones.

“We must take a moment to pause, reflect and remember not only the lives sadly lost, but also to thank those working in the NHS helping patients suffering from the effects of the virus.

“We are still in a critical period in the battle to beat Covid-19 and we need to do everything we can to minimise its spread.

“It’s everyone’s responsibility to take all the precautions they can and help to keep our communities and our NHS staff safe.

“The more people who stay at home, and the more people who think carefully and focus on hands, face, space if they do need to go out, the better we can fight to conquer Covid-19.  The roll-out of the vaccinations can’t come soon enough.

“It is only by following the guidelines can we hope to try and avoid more memorial ceremonies like this one.”

Conservative Group Leader, councillor Rebecca Poulsen added: “On behalf of the Conservative Group I would like to add my condolences to all that have lost loved ones, friends and colleagues.

“We all know people who have been affected and on this sad day marking 1001 deaths we should take time to remember all the people we have lost.

“We thank all those on the front line battling this virus, particularly the NHS staff.

“Having vaccinations rolling out across the district is really positive news and I would encourage everyone to take up the vaccine as soon as they are contacted.”

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland on behalf of the Liberal Democrat and Independent Group, said: “Every life lost leaves a precious memory of the past and a loss for the future.

“Too many families have an empty place at their table. The front line needs us to be mindful at all times so we can save lives and reduce the pressure on everyone who makes sure life can carry on.

“It’s up to all of us to work together to stay safe and to make sure others do too.”

Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd Toby Howarth, said: "1,001 published deaths; and behind that figure, countless others who have been impacted by this dreadful virus. This is a milestone that we have known was coming sooner or later and is now upon us.

"It’s a time, firstly to remember those whom we have lost: family members, colleagues, friends. To give thanks for their lives and to pray for their loved ones who mourn, for the families and friends who have been shattered by and who live with their loss. Each number is a person with an individual, unique story.

"This is a time, also, to be kind to one another and to ourselves. I am so grateful for the friendships, kindness and support across our different faith communities in the Bradford District and with those of no faith. A number of faith leaders are sharing video prayers. There will be 1001 lights on the steps of Bradford City Hall. All of this a recognition that each death diminishes all of us; that we mourn for each other and stand together in our grief.

"As we pause to remember, this is also a moment to strengthen our resolve to love, care and remain disciplined in the basic practices that keep us all safe.

"We continue to give thanks for all those who look after us in front-line roles from health and social care workers to teachers to the emergency services. All those in the private, public and voluntary sectors who keep our services running, including the thousands, paid and unpaid, who make sure the most vulnerable are cared for. These people have been going at it for months now and are deeply tired, but are not giving up.

"We continue to pray for those working so hard to roll out the vaccination programme in our district. It is an extraordinary effort that we are seeing, and gives us some hope for the future, even as we are aware of the continuing impact of the pandemic on jobs, education and mental health.

"There will be a time, later, for gathering together when we can properly remember and mourn for all those in our District impacted by the virus. But for now, we hold onto God and one another and keep going.“

Zulfiqar Karim, president of the Council for Mosques, added: "Our most sincere thoughts and prayers are with those who have passed and the bereaved as we mark this heartbreaking milestone.

"The milestone will and should sadden the vast majority. But, at the same time it should also act as a reminder — we must remain vigilant and keep community safety at the forefront of all our actions."

University of Bradford Vice Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon said: "It is important that we stand together to mark this very sad milestone. As a core part of the Bradford community, our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families and friends of those who have been affected."

Despite the optimism generated by the vaccine roll out, people are being urged more than ever to follow the Government and NHS guidelines to avoid contracting or spreading the infection.