Derby cemeteries have re-opened in line with the government guidance announced on Saturday.
At the National Press Conference on Saturday 18th April, Robert Jenrick MP, Secretary for Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Govt recommended that cemeteries should remain open, so people were able to pay their respects to lost loved ones.
The Council has therefore taken the decision to reopen Nottingham Road cemetery and the other sites in the city during the lockdown and is reminding residents to observe social distancing rules while tending the graves of loved ones amid the coronavirus crisis.
There will be a small number of Council volunteers on site for the week ahead to monitor the numbers of visitors and ensure their safety.
Visitors are also being asked to observe social distancing when talking to council staff, avoid touching surfaces and to wash their hands when back home in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nottingham Rd will be open only via the main entrance across from Tesco.
Markeaton Crematorium Garden of Remembrance will reopen from Thursday 23rd April in line with government policy.
Councillor Jonathan Smale, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetpride said:
Following the announcement on Saturday it’s right for us to re-open our cemeteries so people can pay their respects to their loved ones. We do, however, remind the public to follow the social distancing rules and to keep themselves and others safe, which the vast majority of our residents have been doing. Our staff are following the public health guidance too by adhering to social distancing guidelines wherever possible and putting in place appropriate measures to safeguard people’s health and wellbeing.