Cemeteries in Mid and East Antrim will be reopened tomorrow, it has been confirmed.
The decision taken today 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.”
