The numbers of mourners permitted to attend funerals at Gwent cemeteries and Gwent Crematorium is changing in line with updated government guidance.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 Coronavirus outbreak, it has unfortunately been necessary to limit the numbers permitted to attend funerals at cemeteries within the five local authority areas of Gwent, and at Gwent Crematorium.

The councils fully recognise and understand how difficult these restrictions have been for the family and friends of the deceased, and as such made a commitment to keep them under regular review.

With the Welsh Government announcement that Wales has moved fully into Alert Level One, the Gwent Local Resilience Forum, covering the five council areas, has agreed to increase the number of mourners permitted to attend funerals at cemeteries and the Gwent Crematorium.

Attendance at a funeral as a mourner continues to be limited to those specifically invited by the organiser of the funeral and the carer of anyone attending.

The number of permitted attendees with effect from this week is:

Cemetery burials: unlimited

Gwent Crematorium: 30

However, despite the easing of the restrictions, we all still have a part to play in taking reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposure and spread of coronavirus.

This includes keeping a distance from each other as far as possible and avoiding physical contact such as shaking hands or hugging, especially with those outside of your permitted groups and households.

Also, frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitiser gel remains important, as does refraining from touching your nose/mouth with unwashed hands.

For more information visit gov.wales