This year’s Remembrance Day parade will be closed to the public as a precaution against Covid-19, it was revealed today.

The Government said that will be no admission to the Cabinet Office grounds and street closures will be in force around the Cenotaph between 9.30am and noon on November 11.

John Rankin, the Governor, said: “We rightly join together each year to remember all those Bermudians who have served in the armed forces, including in time of war.

“While this year’s ceremony will necessarily be different from those held in past years, our wreaths will again be laid in tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice and indeed all those who have fought and served to protect the democratic freedoms that we enjoy today.”

David Burt, the Premier, added: “Our veterans gave so much of themselves through their service in the armed forces at a time of world conflict and turmoil.

“This year of 2020 sees Bermuda and the world combatting another enemy in Covid-19.”

Mr Burt said: “Bermuda continues to do well in managing this pandemic response and that is because of public compliance with public health guidelines and a strong testing regime.

“The very men and women we honour on this day for their defence of Bermuda and the world are those who we must now protect.”

Front Street between Queen and King Streets will be closed for the ceremony, as well as Parliament Street between Front and Reid Streets and Court Street between Front and Reid Streets.

Mr Rankin, Mr Burt and Craig Cannonier, the Leader of the Opposition will all still lay wreaths.

They will be joined by a representative of war veterans and services personnel, a representative of Allied nations and a uniformed services member.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment will support the ceremony with a guard on parade.

Bermuda’s decision is in line with the UK, where the ceremony at the Cenotaph in London, held on Remembrance Sunday, the Sunday closest to November 11, will also be closed to the public.