Social distancing measures affecting funerals at Manchester's crematorium and cemeteries have come into immediate effect to try and limit the spread of coronavirus.
There will be limits on services held at the Southern, Blackley, Gorton and Phillips Park cemeteries along with Blackley Crematorium to comply with government advice.
Services within chapels, the crematorium and at gravesides will be limited to immediate family, with a maximum of 10 mourners allowed.
Mourners will not be allowed communal hymn books in chapels, while music will be allowed to be played through CD players and wireless speakers at the crematorium.
All cemetery staff will also be expected to adhere to social distancing, while funeral directors have been asked to advise families with regards to funeral arrangements.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult decision for us to take.
“The loss of a loved one is a terrible ordeal to go through, and we are incredibly sympathetic to the additional heartache these measures will cause.
"But, protecting the public and our staff has to remain our priority.
“We will work with funeral directors, members of the clergy and celebrants to ensure that people can be laid to rest with dignity and respect, and that family members will receive all the support they need during such an incredibly difficult time.”
For more information on the new guidance, click here. For local updates on COVID-19, visit the council's website.
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