Have your say: If you'd known lockdown would last a year, would you have done anything differently?

Ellen Manning
·2 min read
Sign for motorists on Upper Thames Street as the national coronavirus lockdown three continues on 28th January 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Following the surge in cases over the Winter including a new UK variant of Covid-19, this nationwide lockdown advises all citizens to follow the message to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. (photo by Mike Kemp/In Pictures via Getty Images)
The anniversary of the first coronavirus lockdown in England is on 23 March. (Getty)

The nation is preparing to mark the milestone of a year since the government imposed the first national coronavirus lockdown, ordering people to stay home to limit the spread of the virus.

At the time, few anticipated that the country would still be in some form of lockdown 12 months later.

As the government's vaccine rollout continues, lockdown restrictions are gradually being eased as part of the government's road map, with more set to be lifted on April 12.

A national day of reflection is being planned for 23 March – the exact date the first lockdown was imposed – to remember all those who have died from the virus.

There had been concerns that the route out of lockdown would be slowed by a shortage of coronavirus vaccine doses.

News of the reduced supply emerged on Wednesday evening after NHS England told health leaders to expect a significant shortfall, with supplies set to be restricted next month.

Read more: COVID vaccine side effects: How to report your symptoms

But on Thursday Boris Johnson confirmed there will be “no change to the next steps of the roadmap” out of England's lockdown.

Speaking at a Downing Street press conference on Thursday, he said: “Our progress along the road to freedom continues unchecked – we remain on track to reclaim the things we love, to see our families and friends again, to return to our local pubs, our gyms and sports facilities and of course our shops.”

Watch: PM: Vaccine supply issues will not delay lockdown roadmap

The prime minister's reassurances will be welcome news to people who are keen to escape their homes after a year of on-off lockdowns.

The past 12 months has seen many of us try to fill our time at home, with baking, Zoom calls and online workouts all becoming daily parts of people's lives.

Restaurants and pubs hastily pivoted to takeaway operations during the first lockdown, and ordering meal kits at home has become the norm for many people.

Joe Wicks' PE lessons online have been lifesavers for some parents, while elsewhere people have undertaken virtual marathons or fitness challenges in their own homes.

Banana bread and sourdough have been served up in plenty of homes as people used the time during lockdown to improve their baking skills - with the new-found obsession causing a shortage of flour in spring 2020.

One of the most surprising trends of lockdown could be the TikTok trend for sea shanties, making a star of Scottish postman Nathan Evans, who has now made multiple TV appearances and reached number two in the UK singles chart.

Watch: How England will leave lockdown