CK Public Health recognizes and supports our veterans and active duty military, who have served our country to give us the freedoms and rights that we have each day.
COVID-19 has changed the way we commemorate important events such as Remembrance Day, but there are ways to celebrate safely.
Attending or Hosting an Event
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Public Health is discouraging large gatherings, even for Remembrance Day. If you are holding or attending a Remembrance Day event, virtual and/or outdoor events are the safest. If you host or attend an event, please keep in mind the following:
- Make sure you gather safely and in compliance with provincial gathering limits.
- Maintain two metres of physical distancing from those outside your household and limit close contact to members of your household.
- Wear a face covering.
- Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently.
- Consider participating virtually or not attending the event if you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, including if you are 70 years or older, are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions.
If you have any symptoms of illness, do not host or attend an event. Stay home, attend virtually and get tested for COVID-19.
We encourage you to tune in virtually to Your TV Chatham’s live broadcast for Remembrance Day, instead of attending an in person event to pay respects. Additionally, you may also host your own virtual ceremony on video conferencing platforms or social media.
Selling Poppies on Behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion
Public Health supports wearing a poppy on Remembrance Day to support our local Legions and veterans.
The safest way to sell poppies is with unstaffed boxes (such as at a checkout). Members of the community can also donate to your local Legion or purchase a digital poppy online.
If you choose to sell poppies in-person:
- Wear a face covering;
- Have hand sanitizer and use it regularly;
- Wash or sanitize your hands every time after handling cash; and
- Consider not selling if you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, including if you are 70 years or older, are immunocompromised or have underlying medical conditions.
Thank you for your assistance in keeping Remembrance Day celebrations safe and reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community.