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Coronavirus

Lancashire council issues new government guidelines for attending funerals amid pandemic

Lancashire council has become the latest council to cap the number of mourners allowed to attend a funeral amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Previous guidance in Lancashire had set a number of 10 people for all venues to adhere to, however, following new government guidance, funeral directors can facilitate funerals locally depending on the size of their venue.

Although the cap of attendees has been changed, social distancing measures of keeping 2m (6ft) away from individuals must be followed.

Neil Shaw, chief executive of Rossendale Borough Council, said: “We know this is a difficult time for everybody and being able to mourn loved ones is part of the healing process. Hopefully this change in guidance will alleviate some of the concerns the community has around attendance at funerals, but we would like to encourage ideally no more than 10 people attend funerals on public health grounds.

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“We know social distancing saves lives and mourners should also follow the advice on social distancing when travelling to and from the funeral gathering. Any mourner who is showing coronavirus symptoms (a new continuous cough or a high temperature) should not attend the funeral as they pose a risk to others.”

The news comes as bereaved families in Liverpool are being told not to delay loved ones’ funerals amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Health officials and religious leaders across the Liverpool region have urged mourners to go ahead with funeral plans and not to wait until the Covid-19 pandemic is “under control”.

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