The UK Government has confirmed that all parks, cemeteries and graveyards should remain open and that funerals should still go ahead amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
In this afternoon's daily briefing before the press, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said that he had "made it clear" to councils that all parks must remain open after some closed their gates in recent weeks.
But he warned people must abide by social-distancing rules, and not congregate in the green spaces.
He said lockdown measures were harder for those without gardens or open spaces and that "people need parks", saying they needed to be accessible for "the health of the nation".
The Communities Secretary also said that cemeteries and graveyards should also remain open or reopen so that families should still be allowed to grieve for loved ones, while funerals should still go ahead with close family present.
He pointed to the death of 13-year-old Ismail Mohamed Abdulwahab, who died after contracting the virus, saying that the tragedy was compounded after the family could not attend his funeral.
"That is not right and it shouldn't have happened", he said.
"For clarity, funerals can go ahead with close family present".
"Social distancing measures must be respected, but families must have the opportunity to say a respectful goodbye to those that they love."
The Government will publish further guidance on funerals, Mr Jenrick said, as he asked councils across the country to keep open or reopen cemeteries or graveyards.
Mr Jenrick also announced an additional £1.6 billion of new funding to support councils with the pressures they face as they respond the challenges presented by the virus.
