IT is a year to the day since Britain was plunged into its first national lockdown as coronavirus case numbers began to spiral in March 2020.

On March 23 last year, families across Herefordshire and beyond tuned into an extraordinary announcement, the like of which many of us could never have imagined hearing in peacetime Britain.

"All over the world we are seeing the devastating impact of this invincible killer," Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the nation.

"If too many people become seriously unwell at the same time the NHS won't be able to handle it.

"It's vital to stop the spread of the disease. Although huge numbers are complying, it's time to do more.

"The simple instruction is YOU MUST STAY AT HOME."

It was the message that many had seen coming. In the days leading up to the Prime Minister's announcement, shoppers had stripped supermarket shelves of non-perishable goods, hand sanitiser, and, strangely, toilet paper.

Empty shelves in supermarkets in Hereford as panic buying set in. Pictures: Charlotte Moreau

Hereford's streets were empty as the country woke up to the strict new restrictions on March 24, with people only allowed to leave home for shopping, exercise, medical needs, and work if unable to work from home.

Hereford's High Town on March 24. Photo: Rob Davies

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All non-essential shops were closed – with some having already shut their doors in the days leading up to the announcement – and gatherings with members of other households were banned.

Empty streets in Hereford. Photo: Ian Long

Police clean up litter in the city centre. Photo: Rob Davies

At the time, there had been just 335 deaths in the UK, and none in Herefordshire. The first confirmed coronavirus death in the county would be announced days later, after a patient being treated at Hereford County Hospital died with the new virus on March 28.

Primark was among the shops to close its doors in Hereford.

Parks and recreation facilities were also shut, with notices warning people not to use them and exercise limited to one outing per day.

Parking fees were waived, and new hygiene measures began to become standard at those shops which could remain open.

The strict measures would remain in place until May 13, when the first tentative steps towards lifting the lockdown were introduced.

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