Authorities have finalised COVID-safe plans at this year's Anzac Day commemorations on Sunday as more than 7000 people are expected to attend.
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The Australian War Memorial had been working closely with ACT Health to ensure the commemoration operated under an approved COVID-safe plan.
As part of the measures to ensure public safety and in line with government advice at the time the memorial's commemorative plans were developed, the dawn service and national ceremony are ticketed with 4200 and 3000 attendees booked respectively.
Another 250 tickets were also made available for visitors to attend the last post ceremony.
Opportunities to visit the memorial in the lead up to Anzac Day to personally commemorate were available with images from the memorial's collection projecting onto the building facade from dusk until midnight on April 23 and 24.
Visitors are encouraged to visit and lay a floral tribute at the Stone of Remembrance should they wish.
Ticket holders are requested to not attend if feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms up to 14 days prior to 25 April.
In line with the Memorial's COVID Safe Plan approved by ACT Health for Anzac Day commemorations, staff and security will monitor social distancing.
The dawn service is a standing ceremony and the national ceremony is seated.
Capacities for both ceremonies have been calculated to achieve maximum safe attendance based on the current 1:2 square metre requirement with safe visitor and staff movement.
Perimeter fencing with several entry and exit points will be positioned across the site to minimise cross over interactions.
Signage and messaging onsite will remind visitors to maintain social distance, hand sanitiser positioned at entry points, sanitisation of seating and high-touch points will take place between ceremonies, scanners/devices will be used as part of ticket check-in process and masks will be optional.
"For those without a ticket, we now encourage people to tune into the national TV broadcast and digital livestream of both ceremonies from home and to participate in the RSL's 'Light up the Dawn' initiative," the memorial's director Matt Anderson said.
"Following the National Ceremony, the memorial galleries will open to the public from 1pm."
Tickets to visit the galleries and the daily Last Post Ceremony are available from the memorial's website.
An ACT Health spokesperson said Canberrans who planned to attend the event should follow the same principles as they would when attending any other public place.
These include using the Check in CBR app to check in, keeping 1.5m distance from each other, not congregating in large groups and maintaining physical distancing while queuing.
Maintain good personal hygiene, including regular hand washing or sanitising, as well as staying home if unwell and get tested if experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms were also encouraged.
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ACT Police will also be conducting operations, including double demerit points from midnight Friday until midnight April 26.
In a statement, a spokesperson said police will ensure general crowd safety, targeting any antisocial behaviour and helping with traffic control.
"ACT Policing works closely with stakeholders including the ACT Government, National Capital Authority and the Australian War Memorial, during planning to implement the best possible safety and security measures for the community," the spokesperson said.
"Road closures will be in place around the War Memorial and on Anzac Parade.
"Motorists will need to be patient and if possible plan an alternate route."
Police will also be patrolling licensed premises during the day to ensure activities are both COVID safe and in line with responsible service of alcohol.
"If you plan to drink on Anzac Day, plan a safe way home," the spokesperson said.
"We continue to encourage all members of the community to remain aware and report any suspicious activity to the National Security Hotline on 1800 123 400 or police on 131 444 or 000 in an emergency."
Dawn Service
- Gates open from 3.30am
- Pre-Dawn readings from 4.30am
- Dawn Service commences at 5.30am and concludes at 6am
National Service
- Gates open from 9am
- Ceremony starts at 10.30am and will conclude at about 12pm.
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