Being unable to attend an Anzac Day event this year will be hard for many war veterans, but they should still comply with social-distancing restrictions in place for COVID-19, an RSL official has said.
President of the Western Australian Returned and Services League Bunbury sub-branch John Gelmi said Saturday would be difficult for veterans, who would normally be preparing for their marches and a gunfire breakfast.
However, he encouraged them, along with other members of the community, to stay at home and pay their respects from their driveways.
"It's very difficult for them, especially for the older ones who have never probably missed an ANZAC day," he said.
The Bunbury sub-branch closed its doors to its 351 members after social-distancing restrictions were put in place.
Welfare workers have reached out to veterans remotely to ensure they have been OK since the pandemic began.
"There is always someone on the phone at the RSL, so if there are any problems welfare-wise we can sort it out for them," he said.
Police advise us to avoid large gatherings
Police said they would treat the Anzac Day long weekend like the Easter long weekend.
Superintendent Geoff Stewart from South West Police said he was also concerned some people may become complacent his weekend, given the low number of confirmed cases of COVID-19.
"I really feel for the RSLs around the country," he said.
"You really get a sense of how big this crisis is when it cancels probably the biggest day in the nation's calendar."
Police have implored people to respect the rules this weekend and avoid large gatherings at memorial sites.
"We'll be out over the weekend and we are after the same response that the community did at Easter time — they were brilliant," Superintendent Stewart said.
Despite his warning, Mr Gelmi said he was concerned some members of the community will ignore bans on public gatherings and turn up at memorials anyway.
"I would ask people to stay home and do the right thing," he said.
