A national mourning will be held on Saturday, this year’s Tomb Sweeping Day, to commemorate those who succumbed to the novel coronavirus, according to the State Council, China’s cabinet.

To express profound condolences to martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the battle against the epidemic and compatriots who died of the pathogen, national flags will be lowered to half-mast across the country and in Chinese embassies abroad on the day, and public recreational activities will be suspended nationwide, the State Council said.

Starting 10 am Saturday, people across the country will observe three minutes of silence. Sirens of automobiles, trains and ships will be blared. An air defense warning will also go off.