New guidance on number of mourners to attend burial services

​Wakefield Council has issued new funeral guidance on the number of mourners who can attend burials services, to further support the social distancing measures that are essential to tackle the coronavirus outbreak. 

​From 16 April any new burials can be attended by a maximum of ten people.

The new measures are being taken by the Council as part of its commitment to the national effort to reduce the spread of the virus and also to continue its support for bereaved families across the district

Wakefield Council’s Acting Chief Executive, Andrew Balchin, said: “We understand that this is an incredibly difficult time for grieving families and want to do everything we can to support them.

“We have carefully considered how we can best keep people safe, whilst still allowing families to mourn their loved one. These new temporary measures are being introduced to strengthen social distancing for the benefit of mourners, funeral directors and staff. We hope people will understand why we’ve had to make this difficult decision.” 

As part of measures introduced in March, mourners and funeral directors and Council staff involved in services or burials are being asked to keep to the Government’s social distancing rule. People will need to remain two metres apart during services and at the grave side.

All burials arranged before 16 April will still allow 20 mourners.

Cremation services at both Pontefract and Wakefield Crematoria are also restricted to a maximum of 10 mourners, following Government guidance.

For more information on Council bereavement services, including costs, please visit www.wakefield.gov.uk/bereavement