TODAY marks two years since Bromsgrove and the rest of the country was thrown into the first national lockdown,

March 23, 2020 will be a date to remember for many years to come.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to stay at home and protect the NHS by curbing the spread of the virus.

Schools, non-essential shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities were amongst places ordered to close.

People could only leave their homes for outdoor exercise, food shopping or if they could not work from home.

We have had a look back at what stories the Advertiser covered on a pivotal day in British history.

First coronavirus death in Worcestershire reported

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Alexandra HospitalAlexandra Hospital

The first coronavirus related death was reported in Worcestershire.

The patient sadly passed away at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

Indian restaurant offers free meals to the elderly

Bromsgrove Advertiser: Five Spice restaurant. Five Spice restaurant.

Five Spice Restaurant on Stourbridge Road, Belbroughton, offered free meals to elderly people who were self-isolating.

A starter, main course, and rice were offered to those who could not feed themselves.

McDonald's closes all restaurants 

Bromsgrove Advertiser: McDonald's. McDonald's.

All McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and Ireland closed by 7 pm "to protect the safety of its employees and customers".

The decision came after Prime Minister Boris Johnson called for pubs, clubs and restaurants to shut three days before, although he stressed they could continue with a takeaway service.

Local businesses still open 

Bromsgrove Advertiser:

We launched our #StillopeninBromsgrove campaign.

Businesses across the district got in touch to let us know they were still open during lockdown.