Cremation attendance – permitted numbers of mourners
Posted on Friday 24th December 2021
Gwent Local Resilience Forum statement on numbers at CREMATION services
This week Welsh Government announcement that as from 6am on Sunday 26th December 2021, Wales will be moving to Alert Level 2.
As part of the new rules contained within Alert Level 2, there is a requirement that two-metre social distancing is to be observed in all premises open to the public, and that the number that can attend will be determined by the ability of the venue to manage social distancing and other reasonable measures.
Therefore, in line with the above, the allowable number of mourners permitted to attend cremations at the Gwent Crematorium Chapel, Croesyceiliog will be restricted to twenty (20). This will come into effect on Sunday 26th December 2021.
All decisions on the allowable number of mourners are made following a review of risk assessments and take into account a number of factors, including the ability to safely maintain and enforce the two-metre social distancing requirements and the impact on the continued health, safety and welfare of all those attending, managing and officiating the funeral.
The current numbers support the continued protection of the public, the ongoing effort to slow the spread of the virus and ensure bereavement services can continue to manage a safe and dignified funeral.
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic the decision to limit the number of allowable mourners has not been taken lightly. Respect for the deceased and compassion for the bereaved is an important part of our decision-making, but protecting the health and wellbeing of the public, funeral and Crematorium staff must be the foremost concern during this ongoing public health emergency.
The opening times of the Crematorium Grounds are not affected and will remain at normal opening hours.
Partners of the Gwent Local Resilience Forum will keep this matter under continual review while the Covid-19 pandemic continues to affect the Gwent area.