Latest arrangements around funerals and wakes

As Wales continues to implement alert level one conditions, Welsh Government has provided a timely reminder around the arrangements for funerals and wakes.

In order to minimise the risk of exposure to Covid-19 during funerals, restrictions on the carrying or touching of coffins, singing and the use of wind instruments must remain in place for the time being.

The number of mourners who can attend a funeral remains limited to 30 people, both within Coychurch Crematorium or at the graveside within a cemetery.

People should only attend a funeral if invited to do so by the person responsible for arranging it, and must remember to follow all safety requirements such as wearing a face covering, maintaining social distancing and practicing strong hand hygiene.

If a wake is held outdoors in a private dwelling such as a garden, a maximum of 30 people can attend in addition to children aged under 11 and the carers of attendees.

While the number of people who can attend an indoor wake within a regulated premises such as a bar, café or restaurant also remains limited to 30, more people can now attend a wake if it is held outdoors as a regulated event.

This means that it has been organised by a business which has undertaken a risk assessment and reasonable measures to minimise the risk of exposing people to Covid-19 and spreading the virus further.

In such cases, the number permitted to attend is determined by the venue size, the risk assessment and the reasonable measures that can be maintained, e.g. social distancing.

The maximum number permitted outdoors in such circumstances are 4,000 standing and 10,000 seated.

These arrangements are designed to keep people safe while the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing, and are kept under constant review.

The last 16 months have been a distressing time for anyone who has had to say farewell to their loved ones during extremely difficult circumstances.

We will continue to follow Welsh Government guidance as pandemic conditions ease, and will do all that we can to help keep members of the public and staff as safe as possible from exposure to the coronavirus.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Councillor Stuart Baldwin