Coronavirus: NI council begins preparing graves in readiness for deaths surge

A Northern Ireland council has begun pre-preparing graves in advance of an expected surge of deaths caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the work already done on preparing graves at Sixmile Cemetery in AntrimSome of the work already done on preparing graves at Sixmile Cemetery in Antrim
Some of the work already done on preparing graves at Sixmile Cemetery in Antrim

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council confirmed that it had taken the drastic step in case there was widespread sickness among staff at a later date.

While the council would not comment on how many graves are being dug, drone footage appears to show a large number of plots being prepared at their new Sixmile Cemetery site in Antrim.

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Social media comments on the ongoing work includes one man saying: “I wonder after seeing this will people stay at home?”

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council said the work at Sixmile Cemetery was taking place in case of possible staff absencesAntrim and Newtownabbey Council said the work at Sixmile Cemetery was taking place in case of possible staff absences
Antrim and Newtownabbey Council said the work at Sixmile Cemetery was taking place in case of possible staff absences

A number of diggers, dumpers and council workers dressed in protective clothing have been working at the site in recent days.

The News Letter asked Antrim and Newtownabbey council if they were preparing for an influx of funerals by preparing burial sites in advance. The council was also asked how many sites they were preparing.

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

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

The council was also asked if pre-preparation of burial sites could mean that families would potentially be unable to bury their loved ones in family plots if they had died from Covid-19.

The spokesman said: “Burials are continuing in all cemeteries as normal at this stage. We are working to ensure, as far as possible, that plans are in place to ensure the continuity of this vital service.

“This involves planning for a range of scenarios. We will always seek to accommodate the wishes of a family where possible, and any actions we take will be proportionate to the situation that presents itself.”

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The News Letter asked a number of other councils in Northern Ireland if they were pre-preparing graves but all others contacted said they were not taking the step at this stage.

Family members attending funerals in Northern Ireland also face restrictions caused by the coronavirus outbreak.

The spokesman for Antrim and Newtownabbey Council said: “To reflect government rules on public gatherings, similar to other councils, we are limiting attendance at funerals to 10 people.

“Access is controlled to our cemeteries, and we are liaising closely with funeral directors.”