As part of today’s national day of remembrance and reflection, Gwynedd Council and Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board have thanked everyone for their help throughout the pandemic.

The leader of Gwynedd Council thanked staff “for their heroic efforts to keep the county’s residents safe”, and BCUHB, which has captured key milestones and events from the last 12 months on their website, described today as "a day to come together at midday to remember and reflect on the impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic over the past year".

A spokesperson for the health board said: "We would like to take the opportunity to thank all our staff and volunteers who have been working hard in extremely difficult circumstances including key workers in other organisations, our partner organisations for their support, individuals who have volunteered their time and also through donations.

"We have captured the key milestones and events of our Covid-19 journey in a timeline on our website."

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, leader of Gwynedd Council, said: “A year has passed since the first lockdown was introduced – a year the likes of which we’ve never seen before.

“It has been a very difficult 12 months for many, and especially for families who have lost loved ones or have been affected by illness as a result of Covid-19. We remember those that have been lost and send our sympathies to all those affected.

“As leader of the council, I would also like to thank all of Gwynedd Council’s workforce for their heroic efforts to keep the county’s residents safe, and to staff from the health services and other partners for their outstanding efforts since March 2020.

“The year has highlighted the ability of local councils and their dedicated staff to adapt so that they can continue to provide the key services that local residents rely on.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel with the vaccination programme, but we must remember that the virus has not gone away. So for now, it is vital that we stick to the rules to keep our communities safe.”