Plans for an in-person national ceremony for Holocaust Memorial Day next month have been abandoned in light of rocketing Covid case numbers.

Announcing that the ceremony will be virtual for the second successive year, Holocaust Memorial Day Trust chief executive Olivia Marks-Woldman said: “We’ve given this a lot of thought.

“We do long to come together physically for Holocaust Memorial Day. But it’s just not safe, especially in the winter.

“And the safety of survivors, their families, our guests and staff is our priority.”

She added: “We also want to make sure that as many people as possible can join us and commemorate together online. We are working hard behind the scenes to create a very special online ceremony. It will be beautiful and powerful and we do hope readers of the JC will join us.”

The plan was for supporters to light candles in their windows at 8pm on the day of the ceremony to “light the darkness in memory of the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust and genocide, and in solidarity with people who still face prejudice and persecution today”.

Last year, an HMD candle was lit at 10 Downing Street and more than 50 iconic landmarks were illuminated in purple. Tens of thousands viewed the online commemoration.

“Even if can’t be in person, the work of active remembrance continues in our hearts, words and deeds,” Ms Marks-Woldman said.