Maidstone council has issued new guidelines for those attending funeral services at at Vinters Park Crematorium and Maidstone Cemetery during the current Covid-19 lockdown.

Both the crematorium and cemetery are owned and run by the council.

The borough said that no more than 30 people should attend a funeral and that all attendees must wear a mask.

Obviously if a mourner has any signs of coronavirus, they should not attend.

Mourners should observe social distancing rules, keeping two metres apart from anyone not living in their household and from all staff.

Sharon Smith, the bereavement services manager at Maidstone council said: “Sadly, the winter months do see an increase in the number of services we undertake. However, we are also seeing an increase in deaths relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Personal safety is paramount at this difficult time and we ask that everyone takes necessary precautions.”

Mourners will not be permitted to help with carrying the coffin due to the need to maintain social distancing.

Funeral directors must take contact details for all mourners, so that if someone does later test positive for the virus after the funeral has taken place other attendees can be informed.

Webcasting of the service is still available and this can be arranged by the family of the deceased with their funeral director.

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