In memory of the loved ones who have lost their lives over the last year due to the COVID-19 virus, the City invites the community to light their front yards, porches and windows with candles, twinkle lights, luminarias, or other types of illumination at sunset on Saturday, March 13, 2021.
“Many in our community have been touched in some way by COVID-19. And this pandemic, that has caused havoc across the world, is not over,” said Dr. Hector Ocaranza, City/County Health Authority.
“People are still testing positive for COVID-19, and our mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings, friends, and co-workers are still dying because of this virus. On the one-year mark of our first COVID-19 positive case, we ask everyone to reflect on those we lost because of this ongoing pandemic.”
The City’s Department of Public Health (DPH) reported its first presumptive positive COVID-19 case—a male in his 40s—on Friday, March 13, 2020. On Thursday, April 9, 2020, the City reported its first COVID-19 death—a male in his 80s.
A year later health officials have reported more than 126,400 positive cases and as of today, March 12 our community has lost 2,234 loved ones.
The community can turn on their lights by about 6 p.m. to recognize the one-year mark and pay homage to those who have lost their life due to this deadly virus by supporting this one-night commemoration.
Share your photos and videos on the City of El Paso’s social media platforms with the hashtag #UniteWithLightEP.
For more information on COVID-19, visit www.epstrong.org. To register for the COVID-19 vaccine visit www.epcovidvaccine.com.
