Mourners stopped from touching or kissing coffins at funerals in Milton Keynes during coronavirus pandemic

Although all 10 of the city’s cemeteries and the crematorium at Crownhill are open to the public, the council has limited the number of people at funeral ceremonies to just 10 people.

“To support social distancing,” a council spokesperson said, “we can only allow 10 mourners to attend burials, outside of this we ask that social distancing it adhered to at all times.”

At the crematorium in Crownhill, the council is keeping ceremonies to the usual 45 minutes but, the spokesperson adds: “Like other authorities, we may need to shorten these times if deaths increase significantly.”

When in the crematorium chapel, the seating has been arranged so that a total of 10 family members have to sit 2m apart.

In some crematoria across the country there have been reports that crematorium curtains have to remain closed. But in MK that is not the case.

“They are still open but we do not allow mourners to touch or kiss the coffin,” said the spokesperson.

The Government has urged all councils to work with faith groups and funeral directors to develop safe, sensitive and innovative ways for funerals to take place. Some have been broadcast online so other people can be there virtually.

Secretary of state Robert Jenrick MP said: “Close family must be able to attend funerals in person during this pandemic and can safely do so by following in line with social distancing guidelines.

“We will continue to work closely with councils to ensure that safe and sensitive measures are put in place all across the country.”

The Government has given councils like MK the powers in exceptional circumstances to keep crematoria open for longer.

They have also been asked them to work closely with faith groups to ensure religious requirements and wishes are considered when making funeral arrangements, including the need for burial or cremation.