Crematoriums have brought in strict new rules for funerals from today as a result of the coronavirus.

The London Cremation Company, which runs sites across the south east including one in Sittingbourne and another in Gravesend, is restricting the number of mourners to 25.

Waiting rooms will be out of bounds and guests will have to provide and then dispose of their own service sheets.

The company's managing director Stephen Wright has written to all funeral directors with a new set of instructions.

He said: "As the Covid-19 outbreak continues to develop, I want to reassure you The London Cremation Company’s priority is to continue to provide the very highest quality of service to our clients while protecting the health and wellbeing of our staff and visitors.

"As you would expect, we have taken a number of proactive steps in both regards."

They include:

* Families to restrict attendance to close relatives or friends up to 25 people

* Free web-casting offered where available

* Mourners to stay in their cars or wait outside until allowed into the chapel

* Waiting rooms closed for everyone

* Hard surfaces in chapel to be cleaned after every service

* Mourners to sit in groups using social distance guidelines

* Hand-shaking or any physical contact discouraged

* Mourners advised not to touch or kiss the coffin as they leave

* Open-coffin services banned

* No coffin-bearers allowed. Coffins to be wheeled in

* All service books, hymn books and Bible removed. Funeral directors to supply their own service sheets and dispose of them after the service

* Only one person to collect ashes

Mr Wright added: "These are difficult and unusual times. We are working together to maintain respect and dignity for the deceased.

"The situation is ever evolving and guidance will be updated in line with Government guidance over the coming days and weeks."

The company stressed none of its own staff had recently been to any high risk companies or knowingly been in contact with anyone who had.

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