Today, March 23, 2025, marks five years since the UK’s former Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced the national lockdown in response to the unprecedented global threat of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This milestone may prompt many to reflect on those strange, almost surreal times—memories that may feel like a lifetime ago for some, now left in the rearview mirror. However, the aftereffects of the pandemic and the lockdown continue to impact many, with ripple effects still being felt throughout society.
Picture credit: Unsplash
For some, those early days are remembered with a sense of nostalgia—relishing the sudden abundance of time as the world came to a standstill. For them, it was a simpler time—a time for creating memories, hunkering down, and making the best of it with loved ones.
For others, it was a much-needed break from the norm, a collective coming together in the face of something extraordinary. Communities reached out to one another—sending food parcels, clapping on doorsteps for the NHS, who were working tirelessly through the most challenging crisis in living memory.
But for many, the lockdown was marked by loneliness, heartbreak, and desperation.
For those with pre-existing health conditions, the elderly, and the vulnerable, the threat of the virus was deeply terrifying. We heard stories of patients hooked up to ventilators, families unable to be with their loved ones in their darkest hours. Funerals with only a select few allowed to attend, and anxiety levels soaring as individuals struggled to access support systems they relied on.
Picture credit: Unsplash
Here in Leicester, we faced higher infection rates compared to other areas in the UK, partly due to the city’s densely populated areas and high levels of deprivation.
The city had to implement additional lockdown measures in June 2020, making it the first UK city to experience local lockdown restrictions.
Hospitals and healthcare services were stretched, and there were concerns about vulnerable groups, especially in the city’s ethnic minority communities, who were more affected by the virus.
Five years later, the impact of the pandemic is still being felt—on the economy, businesses, and education. Many business owners lost their livelihoods and some never recovered. Tragically, many became casualties of the virus, while those who managed to survive continue to fight to make ends meet.
Leicester’s economy, heavily reliant on the textile and garment industry, was severely impacted, with many workers furloughed or losing jobs.
The retail and hospitality sectors also struggled due to lockdown restrictions, with businesses facing reduced customers and closures.
The pandemic also led to an increase in unemployment and financial strain for many households, particularly in lower-income areas.
Young people are still grappling with the disruption to their education and social lives, with mental health challenges and anxiety levels soaring.
Schools in Leicester had to close and shift to online learning, which created challenges, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who lacked access to technology.
Social distancing measures and restrictions on gatherings affected the city’s vibrant cultural and community life, which includes a diverse population with strong cultural ties.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
However you remember the lockdown, take a moment today to reflect on those who lost loved ones during those strange, unprecedented times, and those who continue to carry the scars of that period.
Here in Leicester, Pukaar’s ‘Always in Our Thoughts’ campaign was launched to recognise and remember all those affected by Covid-19—both in the UK and around the world. The pandemic claimed millions of lives, caused widespread devastation, and changed life as we knew it.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
For some, that chapter in history may feel like a distant memory. They’ve moved on to new projects and milestones. But for many, the trauma remains—unable to fully heal from the pain of not being able to say goodbye to loved ones, losing livelihoods, and living in survival mode.
As we reflect on the five years since that pivotal moment, it’s important to recognise that the scars of the pandemic will last for years to come. While the world has slowly returned to some semblance of normalcy, the lessons learned and the losses endured continue to shape our collective experience. The pandemic challenged us in ways we never expected, but it also revealed our resilience, compassion, and the importance of community.
As we move forward, let us honour the memory of those we’ve lost, acknowledge the struggles that remain, and continue to offer support to those still navigating the aftermath. The journey is far from over, but together, we can work toward a future that values healing, understanding, and connection.
