Mourners are being asked to follow social distancing guidelines when attending funerals at cemeteries and crematoria in Liverpool.
The council is following national guidelines which mean that only 10 people can attend each service, and that they must sit or stand two metres apart.
The council has waived the cost of streaming funerals, so that family and friends can watch services on their own PC or tablet at home.
People are also being asked not to congregate for long periods at the side of graves after burials, in order that staff can complete their work.
Burials are taking place from Monday to Friday, with cremations at Springwood and Anfield also happening on Saturdays and Sunday mornings.
The grounds of Springwood and Anfield crematoria are only open to those attending funerals.
Although cemeteries are open as usual from dawn until dusk, people are being urged to visit only if it is essential, in line with government guidance on making journeys.
Current opening hours
Springwood Crematoria
Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 16:00
Saturday: 09:00 to 16:00
Sunday: 09:00 to 11:15
Anfield Crematoria
Monday to Friday: 08:40 to 16:00
Saturday: 09:20 to 16:00
Sunday: 09:20 to 11:20
Burial Operational Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 15:00
Cabinet member for cemeteries and crematoria, Councillor Sharon Connor, said: “The death of a family member or friend is always really traumatic, but more so at this time when there are limits on how people can interact with each other.
“We absolutely understand and appreciate that people want to pay their respects, and our staff are working hard to make each funeral as dignified as usual, despite the current restrictions.
“We would just ask people to remember that social distancing rules are there for a very good reason, to protect us all from the spread of coronavirus.
“This includes when people are at the graveside, so we would ask them not to linger for long periods after the burial service is complete, to enable our graves staff to complete their work.
“We would also ask that people only visit cemeteries if it is an essential journey, in line with the Government guidelines.
“The co-operation and understanding from families in these unprecedented times is very much appreciated by our staff.”
