Remembrance day hit by coronavirus
PEOPLE wishing to pay their respects on Remembrance Sunday will have to do so at home this year as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic it has been revealed.
Council bosses have said that people will be asked to stay home where they can tune in online to local videos and images of veterans paying their respects, and still observe the two minute silence in line with national guidance.
Rochdale Borough Council said this year’s Remembrance Sunday will be “of course be commemorated, albeit probably in a different way.”
Coun Janet Emsley, cabinet member for the Armed Forces, said: “We are immensely proud of our Armed Forces past and present.
“This year’s Sunday
Remembrance will of course be commemorated, albeit probably in a different way. With the safety of veterans and residents the number one priority, we will be asking people to ‘Remember at home.’
“By working in partnership with the local Armed Forces community and the Royal British Legion, we will ensure everyone is able to reflect and remember, this will include the national two minutes’ silence, local online videos on the day and images of veterans paying their respects at home.
“Our Armed Forces have always fought for us, now it’s our turn to fight for them by ensuring these brave men and women are protected at this crucial stage in the pandemic, in line with the Covid-19 rules around public gatherings.”
However, Heywood Veterans Association have hit out at the news, and say that they still intend to have a socially-distanced Remembrance Event as usual at the town’s cenotaph.
Speaking before the Prime Minister announced new six month restrictions on Tuesday, chairman Chris Harris said: “Rochdale Borough Council have stopped the parade when it’s the most important day in the country.
“It if it wasn’t for those who lost their lives we would not be here today. They are not going to stop us.
“We are not doing the parade, but we will be doing the service itself. We will make sure people observe social distancing.
“This is the main event in Heywood, even bigger than the 1940s Day.”
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister confirmed in the Commons a 10pm closure for hospitality venues as well as saying they could provide table-service only, unless for takeaways.
These rules will come legally into force on Thursday and last until March.
Businesses will be fined and could be closed if they breach the rules
A change has also been made on face coverings. They must now be worn in hospitality venues by customers until seated and all retail and hospitality staff.
From Monday, a maximum of 15 people will be able to attend wedding ceremonies and receptions. Thirty can attend funerals.