The Canadian flag has been lowered to half-mast outside London City Hall today as the country marks a national day of observance to commemorate those who have died due to COVID-19.

It was one year ago today&nbsp;–&nbsp;March 11, 2020 – that the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic.

In a statement, London mayor Ed Holder laments the sacrifices that everyone has made during the pandemic, including the required isolation from "desperately missed" loved ones, family members and friends.

"We've seen our kids unable to enjoy their favourite activities, family breakdowns, and mental health deterioration. Businesses have gone under, while women and men across our city have become unemployed."

So far, 185 lives have been lost in London-Middlesex and more than 22,300 across Canada.

London Mayor marks National Day of Observance

London Mayor Ed Holder acknowledged the sacrifices people have made over the last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Holder said there is no greater way to honour the fallen than to continue to follow public health guidelines.&nbsp; It minimizes the risk of more lives being lost and more families being impacted by COVID-19, he said.

He also paid tribute to essential service workers in London, including police officers, firefighters and paramedics.

"Those who keep showing up, day after day, working extremely long hours, missing their family members, and making significant sacrifices under immense stress and scrutiny. We will remain forever grateful."

5 graphs that help tell the story of the pandemic

See how COVID-19 has shaped our lives over the past year since the World Health Organization first declared the global pandemic.

On the anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdowns in Canada, CBC is taking a look at key graphs that help tell the story of how the pandemic has shaped the country both in the short term and for years to come.

Graphs

On the anniversary of the day the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, CBC is taking a look at key graphs that help explain how the pandemic has shaped the country both in the short term and potentially for years to come.

Holder says he remains optimistic that the end of the pandemic is near.

"Thanks for vaccines, combined with ongoing advancements in treatments and rapid testing, we know how this ends, and we know – approximately – when."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said earlier this month that Canada's vaccination campaign could wrap up before September if the country secures the necessary shots and if there's a change in dosing timelines.

Federal leaders mark the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the pandemic

Party leaders spoke in the House of Commons this morning to mark a national day of observance.

The Canadian flag at London City Hall flies at half-mast Thursday as Canada marks a national day of observance to commemorate those who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flag lowered at City Hall as Canada marks first anniversary of a global pandemic

More Stories Like This