SOME cemeteries will reopen as early as today after Stormont ministers agreed to ease lockdown restrictions.
Graveyards were closed to the public in March but there had been increasing calls for families to be allowed to visit loved ones.
The executive yesterday decided that cemeteries could re-open as long as social distancing measures are in place.
Etta Darcy, who has protested at the gates of Derry's city cemetery to demand its reopening, said she was "ecstatic” that she will be able to visit her husband Hugh’s grave once more.
The decision came as:
:: The Department of Health recorded a further 15 Covid-19 deaths, bringing the north's total to 278. The death toll in the Republic rose by 37 to 1,014 when 'probable' cases are included.
:: Latest figures suggest a third of coronavirus-related deaths are happening in care homes, with 63 outbreaks across Northern Ireland.
:: Belfast health trust said it has been "overwhelmed" by the response to a 'VIP' outdoor exercise pass for autistic adults and children and those with mental health difficulties.
Sinn Féin had previously opposed re-opening cemeteries but ministers voted to ease restrictions after experts advised the move was "proportionate and low risk".
First minister Arlene Foster said: "This is about balancing public health concerns with the basic human need for people to visit their loved ones."
Sinn Féin's Michelle O'Neill said they had "listened carefully to the genuine distress of families who have not been able to visit the grave of a loved one".
"I understand that there's a fine balance and making sure that people do not face additional burden in terms of their mental health and wellbeing and also our role in making sure that people are not put at further risk from the transmission of coronavirus."
The moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, Rev Dr William Henry, said it was a "sensible and compassionate response" that would bring comfort to many.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said its cemeteries would reopen with social distancing measures in place from today.
Belfast will begin opening some of its graveyards from tomorrow.
