Public asked to stay away from Remembrance Sunday service at Cenotaph over Covid social distancing measures
Members of the public have been asked to stay away from this year's Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
A limited number of people – including armed forces veterans, members of the Royal family, and international leaders – will be permitted to attend the service, which typically sees thousands of people line streets through Whitehall to pay their respects in memory of those who fought for the country.
It will be the first time in the Cenotaph's 100 -year histor y that the 11 am service will be closed to members of the public, who will instead be told to mark the event from home.
A statement from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said the service" is expected togo ahead with representatives of the royal family, the government and the armed forces, and a small representation from the Commonwealth, other countries and territories, all laying wreaths".
The annual march past the memorial will not take place either, but some veterans will be invited to attend the service,
which will b e made "Covid-secure" by minimising attendance and ensuring strict social distancing measures are in place, the statement said.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: "This Remembrance Sunday has a particular significance as it marks 100 years since the Cenotaph was installed. Whilst we will mark this occasion properly, it is with a heavy heart that I must ask people not to attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph this year in order to keep veterans and the public safe.
"We will ensure our plans for the day are a fitting tribute to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and that our veterans are at the heart of the service - with the nation able to watch safely from home."
The government also said local Remembrance events should comply with social distancing rules and restrictions on the numbers of people permitted to meet outside where applicable.
Bob Gamble, assistant director for co mme morat ive events for the Royal British Legion, said: "We are encouraging people across the country to participate in their own personal moment of remembrance, whether that be watching the service on television or pa using for the two-minute silence."