Funeral directors have appealed for the public to respect social distancing measures during the coronavirus pandemic after lines of fresh graves were dug at a cemetery.

Lorries and mechanical diggers were used to create dozens of extra plots at Belmont graveyard in Antrim, footage and images showed.

Around 50 have been excavated and markings for about another 50 laid out during preparatory work in case cemetery staff are affected by the virus.

John Hart, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s head of communications, said: “Of course, like everyone, we sincerely hope these measures turn out to be unnecessary, but we must hope with our hearts and plan with our heads.”

The Irish Association of Funeral Directors (IAFD) asked bereaved families to respect physical distancing regulations.

It said: “IAFD members are more mindful and sensitive than ever to the pain of bereaved families who are trying to grieve and say goodbye under increasingly restricted circumstances.

“The association is appealing to the public to work with them at this challenging time for funeral directors and their staff who are on the front line – leaving their families at home to do their level best to provide bereaved families with the excellent level of quality and caring service for which its members are renowned.”

On Thursday a man used a wooden template in the shape of a coffin at Belmont to mark out graves with a spade.

Another worker used an earth mover to put excess soil in trucks for removal.

Mr Hart said: “As a council we have to fulfil our statutory duties, one of which is the provision of burials.

“We have undertaken a programme of preparatory works to ensure we can meet this requirement, particularly in the context where we might experience any reduction in cemeteries staff due to illness.”

The IAFD said: “During this pandemic, member firms are continuing to care for bereaved families and ensure that funeral arrangements are carried out with dignity and to the highest standards.”