20,000 chairs placed outside White House to honor Americans killed by COVID-19

20,000 chairs were lined up on the Ellipse outside of the White House Sunday, each representing 10 Americans killed by the coronavirus, in a solemn reminder of those who have lost their lives amid the pandemic. 

“We are honored to have worked with COVID Survivors for Change to produce the first National COVID-19 Remembrance Day,” Washington-based events company, Bond Events, wrote on Instagram.

READ MORE: More than 200,000 dead in US from COVID-19, according to Johns Hopkins

The novel coronavirus has largely defined American life since it arrived in late winter – shuttering businesses, forcing people to self-isolate, and compelling them to wear masks when they do go out into the public.

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“The purpose of this event is to honor those who have lost their lives to COVID-19, honor frontline and essential workers, and demand that elected officials do more to develop a plan for safety and recovery” they added.