New guidelines for funerals in Wakefield and Pontefract as mourners limited to 10

Wakefield Council has issued new guidance on the number of mourners who can attend funerals in the district, following the coronavirus pandemic.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The council said it's taken the new measures as part of its commitment to support the national effort to keep people safe and to prevent the spread of the virus.

Changes came into place yesterday, Wednesday, March 25, when funerals at both Pontefract and Wakefield Crematoria will be restricted to 10 mourners.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The guidance also means a maximum of 20 mourners will be able to attend burial and graveside services in the district that are managed by the council.

New guidelines for funerals in Wakefield as mourners limited to 10New guidelines for funerals in Wakefield as mourners limited to 10
New guidelines for funerals in Wakefield as mourners limited to 10

Andrew Balchin, Wakefield Council’s Acting Chief Executive, said: “We fully appreciate that introducing these new rules on the numbers of mourners that can attend the funeral of a loved-one will be very upsetting for many bereaved families, and we offer them our sincere sympathies at their time of loss.

“We hope that people will understand that at this time of national crisis, we have to make these very difficult decisions.

“We have carefully considered all the latest advice and information from the Government. Our priority is to keep people safe, including mourners, funeral directors and council staff by taking these actions to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

As part of the measures, mourners and funeral directors and council staff involved in services or burials will be 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.