It was one year ago, the director-general of the World Health Organization made the grim announcement that we were officially in a pandemic caused by the new coronavirus.

“Pandemic is not a word to use lightly,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus to the world.

Since that day, March 11th, 2020, there have been more than 118-million cases of COVID-19 worldwide and some 2.6 million related deaths.

Today, March 11th, 2021, is a National Day of Observance in Canada to remember the lives lost to the virus.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflected on the individuals who’ve succumbed to the virus.

“Each one was special, each one was loved, they were grandparents, friends, parents, brothers, sisters, and colleagues,” Trudeau stated.

The prime minister plans to deliver a statement in the House of Commons this morning to commemorate this National Day of Observance.

In Canada, there have been 22,335 deaths attributed to COVID-19, 7,099 of those here in Ontario. More than half of the deaths in this province were residents of long term care.

One year later, the focus of the pandemic in Canada is on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Just 1.5 percent of the population has been fully vaccinated, with 4 vaccines approved for use in this country.

We are also commemorating the one year anniversary on Zoomer Radio’s Fight Back.

Join Libby Znaimer and a special panel of experts after the noon news.