Four Cardiff cemeteries are to be temporarily closed to the public, unless they are attending a funeral, following a weekend which saw large numbers of people visiting the sites and failing to adhere to government instructions on social distancing.
Cabinet Member with responsibility for Bereavement Services, Cllr Michael Michael said: “Closing these sites isn’t something we’re doing lightly, but during the current emergency, public safety, and limiting the spread of COVID-19 has to come first.
“Unfortunately, the unusually high number of visitors this weekend, coupled with the lack of social distancing taking place, means we have to do what many authorities in other areas have already done – restrict access.”
From 2nd April the gates at Cathays Cemetery, Western Cemetery and Pantmawr Cemetery will be locked at all times, with limited access, for a maximum of ten immediate family members, only granted when funerals and burials are taking place on site.
Access to Thornhill Cemetery and Crematorium will also be restricted. In line with Welsh Government legislation the Crematorium itself will be closed to the wider public, with the exception of a maximum of 10 immediate family members attending funerals and burials. No public access will be allowed to other areas of the site, such as the gardens, memorials or Book of Remembrance.
Cllr Michael added: “We understand that some people will find this difficult, for example if they are unable to visit a relative on an anniversary, and we are sympathetic to that, but these are challenging times and ultimately we have to do everything necessary to keep people safe.”
