Mid and East Antrim cemeteries to reopen to the public
Cemeteries in Mid and East Antrim will be reopened tomorrow, it has been confirmed.
The decision taken today (Friday) by the Northern Ireland Executive to allow cemeteries to be reopened to the public has been welcomed by Coast Road DUP Councillor Andrew Clarke.
Cllr Clarke described the announcement as ‘sensible and appropriate’ .
There have been widespread political and individual calls for grieving families to be permitted to visit their loved ones’ graves.
Cllr Clarke has been petitioning Stormont to reopen cemeteries across Northern Ireland.
They had been locked when burials were not taking place after emergency legislation was passed by the Stormont Executive in response to the Covid-19 crisis.
Cllr Clarke added: “This is entirely the right decision and I thank the Executive for listening to the voices of families who were experiencing genuine emotional distress because they were unable to visit the graves of their loved ones.
“I had called for this to be done in a controlled way and I am very glad to see that this most human of desires, for people to tend their loved ones’ final resting place, is now possible.
“This announcement by the Executive today is a sensible and appropriate one, and I am confident that those visiting will adhere to the strict social distancing measures in place.”
The announcement by the Executive was also welcomed by Council’s group party leaders.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “As of 10am tomorrow, Saturday 25 April, cemeteries in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area will be open to the public, from 10am to 4pm, every day.
“Public health guidelines and advice will be signposted at all cemeteries, with staff present at our main graveyards.
“Council staff will control access during any burials to ensure the utmost respect and dignity for grieving families.
“Visitors should follow the strict guidelines on protecting public health by adhering to social distancing and staying at least two metres away from another person while attending a cemetery, unless with members of their own household.
“No one should visit a cemetery if they or a member of their household is experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus.”
by Michelle Weir, Local Demomcracy Reporter.
---
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.
Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.
You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk
With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.
Thank you