News

Commemorating Remembrance Day Safely

2020-11-04

This year, Remembrance Day will have to be commemorated differently due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The EOHU is recommending that the public attend Remembrance Day memorial ceremonies virtually or in a manner where everyone can remain physically distanced, such as a drive-in ceremony. If you plan on attending an event in person, keep in mind that it is safer to do so outdoors than indoors.

If you plan on attending an event in person:

Remembrance Day ceremonies can still take place in person, but they are subject to the province’s rules on gathering limits. This means that for:

Unmonitored events:

  • 10 people can gather at an indoor event or gathering
  • 25 people can gather at an outdoor event or gathering

For more information, consult the Gatherings page.

Monitored events, such as at a legion:

  • 50 people can gather at an indoor event or gathering
  • 100 people can gather at an outdoor event or gathering

For more information, consult the Guidance for Organized Events and Gatherings page.

If you attend an event in person:

  • Make sure you and anyone who lives with you maintain 2m of physical distancing from people outside your household.
  • When indoors, wear a face covering at all times. When outdoors, wear one when you cannot maintain physical distancing.
  • Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer often.

Consider attending virtually if:

  • You are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19
  • You are aged 70 or older
  • You are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions
  • If you have symptoms of COVID-19 (even if mild) or recently had a negative COVID-19 test, you must stay home.

Gathering at a war memorial or cenotaph:

When gathering at a war memorial or cenotaph, everyone in attendance must wear a mask due to the proximity of one person to another. It is also recommended that only one person in the gathering bring a wreath, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination if several individuals were to each bring a wreath and make an arrangement at the base of the cenotaph.

Playing instruments during a ceremony:

Musicians who play an instrument such as a bagpipe or a bugle at a ceremony must stay at least 7m away from other people attending the ceremony. Musicians should be facing away from the crowd and check the direction of the wind to ensure that respiratory droplets exhaled while playing their instruments don’t make their way towards the people in attendance.

Safer ways to sell poppies:

  • The safest way to sell poppies is through unstaffed boxes, such as at checkouts.
  • Members of the public can also purchase digital poppies online or donate to the Legion.
  • If you are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19, are aged 70 or older, are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions, it is recommended you avoid selling poppies in person.

If you choose to sell poppies in person:

  • Wear a face covering
  • Use hand sanitizer often
  • Instruct the public to place their donations directly in a collection box. This way, you won’t need to handle cash.