Liverpool Council tells families not to delay funerals

Bereaved families in Liverpool are being told not to delay loved ones’ funerals amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Health officials and religious leaders across the Liverpool region have urged mourners to go ahead with funeral plans and not to wait until the Covid-19 pandemic is “under control”.

The council for Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens are only allowing 10 mourners to attend funerals in order to abide by the government’s social distancing rules. Whereas, Wirral Council is allowing up to 15 people to attend the funeral and Halton Council is only allowing 12 people to be present.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “We understand that this will be a very difficult time for anyone who has lost a loved one and our deepest sympathies go out to those who are bereaved.

“We understand that families will want to pay their respects to their loved ones and we are doing all we can to ensure those who have sadly passed away are given the respect and love they deserve. 

He added: “While a funeral ceremony during this time may not be the traditional send off families would want for their loved ones, we will do everything in our power to allow families to hold a more traditional memorial service at a later date.”

In a joint letter to residents across the Liverpool City Region, Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Reverend Paul Bayes and Archbishop of Liverpool, The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon, wrote: “We realise these are challenging times for everybody, but especially for those who have experienced bereavement, whether or not this has been caused by COVID-19.”

They added: “It is imperative that funerals take place as soon as possible at the moment it is not an option to delay the funeral until after Covid-19 has been brought under control.”