Face to face meetings for Gateshead Council's bereavement service have been cancelled as part of the authority's bid slow the spread of Covid-19.
From today, (Monday), there will be no face to face enquiries at the Bereavement Services Office until further notice.
This comes as the UK death toll has now risen to 281 people who have died after being diagnosed with Covid-19, including an 18-year-old.
So far, there are 34 patients now confirmed to be suffering from Covid-19 in Newcastle, 18 in North Tyneside, three cases in Gateshead, 10 cases in Northumberland, 11 in County Durham, 11 in Sunderland, and five in South Tyneside.
Health officials have urged the 1.5 million people in England considered most at risk from coronavirus because of their health conditions to begin “shielding” themselves by staying at home.
The bereavement service can be contacted during office hours (9am to 1pm and 2 to 4pm, Monday to Friday) on 0191 433 3816, 0191 433 3811, or 0191 433 3815. You can also email cemeteriesandcrematoria@gateshead.gov.uk.
