Salford has become the first council in Greater Manchester to announce it will only be allowing 10 people per funeral at council-run crematoria until further notice.
All chapel services at Agecroft Crematorium, Peel Green Crematorium and Swinton Cemetery Chapel will be limited to ten mourners until further notice.
The council’s Bereavement Services is making the change to minimise the risk to Salford residents and council employees from the Covid-19 coronavirus.
Councillor David Lancaster, Lead Member for Environment and Community Safety, said: “This has not been an easy decision, but we feel this is a necessary change to minimise the risk to residents and staff. We understand this affects people at what is already an emotional and difficult time and we are doing everything we can to support bereaved families. We have a strong working relationship with funeral directors, ministers and clergy and will ensure these changes are dealt with in the most respectful way.
“Our employees are here to support residents and their families at this difficult time and we need co-operation and understanding. We want to assure residents that we are doing as much as possible based on government guidelines to provide the best service possible under very difficult circumstances.”
