THE Government has responded to calls made by a Barrow hospital worker for an annual Covid memorial day.

Gemma Humes, who works at Furness General Hospital, is urging the Government to dedicate a day of remembrance every year to commemorate those who died after contracting the disease.

The clinical support worker said the day would allow future generations to remember those lost to the virus and the 'invisible war' fought by healthcare staff.

In response, the Cabinet Office pointed to comments by Jacob Rees-Mogg, the leader of the House of Commons, in response to a question from Tatton MP Esther McVey.

He said: "The Prime Minister said on January 26 that 'when we have come through this crisis, we will come together as a nation to remember everyone we lost'.

"While the Government’s immediate focus is on protecting the lives and livelihoods of the nation, there is none the less the need to remember those who have lost their lives and to recognise those involved in the unprecedented response.

"The Government have begun planning to ensure that an appropriate commemoration can take place in the United Kingdom and will set out details in due course, but I think it is at the stage where good ideas will be extremely welcome.

"This needs to be a community and national effort, so if people do have good ideas, they should bring them forward."

Barrow MP Simon Fell has supported plans to commemorate those who died from Covid and 'take a moment each year' to remember the losses.