Silence falls across region in remembrance of key workers who have died amid coronavirus pandemic

The nation fell silent in tribute to key workers who have died in the coronavirus pandemic.

The minute’s silence was observed by many communities across The Midlands at 11 am.

Hospitals, emergency services, town centres, paused to mark the sombre occasion, remembering the thousands of people to have died so far during the outbreak.

Unison, the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal of College of Nursing launched a campaign last week for the nation to take a moment to honour frontline staff who have died during the Covid-19 crisis.

Between them, the organisations represent more than a million NHS and public service workers including porters, refuse collectors and care staff.

It comes as health secretary Matt Hancock revealed that of the 21,092 people who had died of coronavirus in UK hospitals, 82 were NHS colleagues and 16 worked in social care.

Chief nursing officer for England Ruth May said: “Every death is a tragedy but we feel the loss of fellow health and care workers particularly keenly.

“I want people across the NHS and the whole country to come together and remember health and care workers who have lost their lives to this cruel virus."

North West Leicestershire District Council workers and Leicestershire police officers stood outside offices in Coalville to observe the silence.

• A minute's silence is held for key workers who have died in the Covid-19 outbreak: