Honour veterans safely this Remembrance Day, says B.C.’s top doctor

With Remembrance Day this week, the province’s top doctor is offering guidance on how to honour veterans safely.

Dr. Bonnie Henry says we have to protect our seniors, who continue to be hit the hardest by the deadly virus.

“There can be small outdoor ceremonies, although I will say to people, ‘Be aware,'” she says. “Older people, particularly the vets that we know, are in that older category — we need to make sure it’s safe for them.”

Last week, the province released modelling showing the elderly are still seeing the most deaths from COVID-19, despite 90 per cent of that demographic in B.C. being fully vaccinated.

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Dr. Henry said age remains the highest risk factor for the virus because older people have a lower immune response and can have other complicating illnesses.

As for Remembrance Day ceremonies, she says the threshold needs to be very low. If you or anyone you live with is feeling at all sick, she encourages you to honour those who have served virtually instead.

“It may be good for many people to do this remotely this year in a small group with their close family and friends rather than getting together in larger groups,” said Henry.

Ultimately, she says, it’s best to hold ceremonies outside if possible.

There are Remembrance Day ceremonies happening all across the province on Nov. 11, including at UBC and Victory Square in Vancouver.

Precautions will be taken to keep it COVID-19 safe, along with other events across Metro Vancouver. If you do choose to attend a public gathering, Henry reminds you to keep your distance and to wear a mask.

.@RoyalCdnLegion says 100 yrs. after the poppy became ????’s symbol of Remembrance, the National Poppy Campaign kicks off today. Close to 20 million poppies are expected to be distributed this year. Here’s where to find one near you: https://t.co/qRyP0Vys2F. pic.twitter.com/4Navlm15eT

— Sonia Aslam (@SoniaSAslam) October 29, 2021

The Royal Canadian Legion is celebrating 100 years since the poppy became a symbol of Remembrance, and kicked off the National Poppy Campaign on Oct. 29.