Mourners are being limited at funerals in many parts of Wales in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.
Various councils are taking action to protect people attending ceremonies
From social distancing, to limiting the amount of people who attend funerals, different authorities have taken contrasting stances in dealing with the issue.
In Gwynedd, it has been announced that anyone attending a funeral service at Bangor Crematorium will be required to sit two meters apart to help prevent the spread of the virus.
“Unfortunately, this will significantly restrict the number of people that can sit in the chapel at any one time,” a Gwynedd Council spokesman said.
“We will be informing families and funeral directors about this policy when they contact us to make arrangements.
“We understand that this may add to what is already a stressful and upsetting time for people who have lost a loved one, but these arrangements are necessary in order to protect the health of everyone attending the service as well as the council’s staff.
“In addition to these measures, cleaning at all council buildings has been increased with particular attention to key areas such as door handles and toilet facilities.”
Swansea Council is requesting that attendance at funerals should be limited to immediate family only.
And Bridgend County Borough Council has said Coychurch Crematorium is open, and temporary arrangements are under development to reduce the risk of exposure for staff and mourners.
Meanwhile, in Pembrokeshire, the county council is restricting the number of mourners attending funerals at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, and at the graveside of authority-owned cemeteries during the coronavirus outbreak.
At a meeting with funeral directors earlier this week, it was collectively agreed that the changes represented “a balance between minimising the risk to the public and maximising the safety of staff”, the authority said.
As from Friday, March 20, only 12 mourners, together with one officiator and one funeral director, are being permitted into the chapel at Parc Gwyn or at council-owned cemeteries by the graveside. This decision mirrors advice released regarding weddings.
On Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21, only, any additional mourners were being allowed to stand outside and watch the webcast. This was to allow for services already arranged where it might not be possible to communicate the change in a timely manner, the authority said.
Meanwhile, all cremations with a service will be charged at the single service 9.15am to 3.15pm rate and webcasts will be available to all services at the crematorium free of charge.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council said there were no such restrictions in place just yet, but that its services were constantly being reviewed.
Ceredigion Council says only immediate family will be allowed to attend funerals within the county. Immediate family, the council says, are known as parents, wife/husband, children of the deceased (who are seven years old and above) and siblings.
Wales Online has approached all local authorities for their positions on funeral ceremonies during the pandemic, and this article will be updated as they come in.
