RSL NSW has cancelled all public Anzac Day commemoration services due to the threat of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus.
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"The risk to vulnerable people during the current health situation is simply too high for these events to continue in their traditional format," acting state president Ray James said in a statement on Monday.
"The RSL has a responsibility to act in the best interests of veterans and the general public.
"In these uncertain times we must follow the advice of medical experts and do everything we can to protect the community."
READ MORE: NSW, WA, Tas Anzac services off amid virus
He said most services had the potential to attract crowds of over 500 people.
On Friday, the federal government said non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people should not go ahead, the AAP reported.
Bega RSL sub-branch president Gary Berman said it would be "very disappointing" a service would not be held in Bega, although he would explore options for other ways to commemorate the day.
"People are more inclined to commemorate Anzac Day now than when I was in my 20s and the Vietnam War was going on," he said.
"[But] that is a directive we have been given and we will have to comply with it.
"In my personal opinion, I think smaller areas have less risk than in cities."
Mr Berman said he did not believe there would be over 500 people at the dawn or main Anzac services in Bega each year.
Merimbula RSL sub-branch secretary Tony Toussaint also confirmed no public service would be held in Merimbula, saying in the past the town's main service had been attended by up to 2000-3000 people.
"The risk is too great for us to take, which is unfortunate," he said.
"A lot of it is to do with the age of our members and the risk to them.
"Regardless to what happens we'll be flying the flag and we may lay a couple of wreaths, but we can't afford to get in a situation where people come along."
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Albert McKnight
Journalist at Bega District News.
Journalist at Bega District News.
