The Canadian military restarted its program of posting sentries at the National War Memorial in Ottawa on Monday.
The national sentry program, which was expected to start on April 9, had been put on hold because of the novel coronavirus. The Canadian Forces noted in a statement that the program has restarted “in a progressive, deliberate and safe manner and continue at a reduced schedule until November 10.”
In previous years, sentries were posted seven days a week. In 2020, sentries will be on duty from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
To limit any possible spread of COVID-19, members of the national sentry program will follow protective health measures of the government and the Canadian Forces. Visitors are asked to keep a minimum two-metre distance from the sentries at all times, the military noted in its statement.
“The CAF has been welcomed by the City of Ottawa to begin this low-risk outdoor activity, as an opportunity for residents and possible visitors to feel a sense of normalcy while the City implements the gradual resumption of activities following recent COVID-19 related isolation measures,” it added.
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